Impact of the 2011 heat wave on mortality and emergency department visits in Houston, Texas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Heat waves have been linked to increased risk of mortality and morbidity, and are projected to increase in frequency and intensity in a changing climate. Houston and other areas in Texas experienced an exceptional heat wave in the summer of 2011 producing the hottest August on record. This study aims to assess the health-related impact of this heat wave.

Methods

Distributed lag models were used to estimate associations between the 2011 heat wave and all-cause mortality and emergency department (ED) visits from May 1 through September 30 for the five-year period 2007-2011. The 2011 heat wave is defined as a continuous period from August 2 through 30, 2011 according to the heat advisories issued by the local National Weather Service office, and is included in the mo

SUBMITTER: Zhang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4417210 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature