Heat-Related Emergencies Spike in Eastern US

Heat-related emergency room visits have surged in various US regions, with the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Mountain West experiencing high rates despite lower temperatures due to insufficient infrastructure like air conditioning. Climate change is exacerbating heat waves, leading to increased hospitalizations for conditions ranging from fatigue to organ damage. Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region witnessed a threefold increase in heat-related ER admissions during a recent heat wave, prompting resource mobilization and health concerns. The CDC highlights extremely high rates of heat-related illnesses, surpassing typical levels, with New Jersey and New York notably exceeding the 95th percentile of visits during the recent heat wave, emphasizing the risks associated with high humidity and personal factors on heat-related illnesses.