Texas Heat Wave Becomes Unbearable, Thousands Treated For Heat-Related Illness

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Amid the extreme hot weather being experienced in the state, thousands of residents in Texas have been treated for heat-related illnesses for the months of June and July.

According to a BBC report, several cities in Texas have experienced temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius for the month of July, which is considered as the hottest month on record. So far, the number of hospitalizations and deaths across the state during the summer's heatwave has remained undetermined.

Still, information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services indicated that thousands were treated due to sickness connected to the hot weather across the state in the past two months.

The real number of those who got sick of heat-related illness could be higher than what is being disclosed to the public due to incomplete reporting, authorities said.

The report said that more than 30 individuals died this year amid the high temperature, including 11 in the Webb County situated at the Mexican border.

Meanwhile, in 2022, more than 300 people died of heat-related causes. This number was considered as the highest figure recorded in decades.

High hospitalization rate

In South Texas, hospital institutions and paramedics have observed a notable increase in hospitalizations among the public due to heat-related illnesses.

A report on Valley Central said Frank Torres, who serves as EMS director for Willacy County, noted that there have been a spike when it comes to emergency phone calls because of heat exhaustion as well as cases of heat stroke.

Most people who were affected by the heat were those who have outdoor works and those who belong to the older age group, according to Torres.

Meanwhile, Kennetha Foster, who serves as the Chief Nursing Officer for South Texas Health System, also disclosed that hospitals in the area have seen an increase of people being rushed and attended to in the emergency room.

She said that there were 168 heat-related illnesses recorded for the months of June and July, noting that it reflected 70 percent more of the number of illnesses that the hospitals saw in the same period last year.

Among the symptoms of heat-related illnesses or too much heat exposure include dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting. When someone experiences these symptoms, he or she should seek medical attention or make an emergency phone call.

Foster also noted that heat stroke could be life threatening. She called on the people who work under heat exposure to be vigilant for symptoms and look out for the manifestations of possible heat exhaustion.

"If you're out working with other people, and you recognize those symptoms, and then in them, please speak up and ask them to go inside, help them get some water and maybe delay whatever you're doing and come back to it later," Foster said in the report.

To address emergencies, the South Texas Health System already increased its number of personnel and opened more space in their emergency room departments.

Aside from the heat's effects to humans, animals have also been suffering from the hot weather. A Fox 4 report said local veterinarians have seen a number of cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke especially among dogs.

Animal doctors advised that if pets become too much exposed to heat, it is important to put cool water on their paws and bellies and seek medical attention from veterinarians.

Addressing heat effects

Health authorities have been advising the public to take precautionary measures against too much heat.

These include opening of cooling centers, fan giveaway drives, and community outreach and education programs that aims to educate the public about the adverse effects of heat.

They are also advised to immediately seek medical attention when needed.