Epidemiological characteristics of heat stroke and its relationship with high temperature and heat wave in Minhang District of Shanghai in 2013-2018 / 上海预防医学

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of heat stroke cases in Minhang District of Shanghai in 2013-2018 and to explore potential risk factors， so as to provide the evidence for making the preventive and control measures. Methods:Meteorological parameters and heat stroke cases during May-September were included for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 101 heat stroke cases were studied， in which the majority occurred during June-August. Male cases were more than female cases and 51.5% （52/101） of the cases were severe cases. The incidence of severe heat stroke in people aged 40-59， and 60 and over was significantly higher than that in people under 40 years old. The number of people with severe heat stroke was positively correlated with daily maximum temperature and daily minimum temperature， whereas the number of mild heat stroke was only positively correlated with daily maximum temperature. More than half of total cases （86 cases） were documented in 15 heat wave periods， two of which had significantly increased risk. Conclusion:High temperature in summer is dangerous in Minhang District of Shanghai. Men and older people are susceptible to heat stroke， which occurs mainly in the period of high temperature in July and August. The period of daily highest temperature ≥35 ℃， especially during continual high temperature， is the key stage for heat stroke prevention. In addition to focusing on the effect of daily maximum temperature on heat stroke， the effect of daily minimum temperature on severe heat stroke should be considered.