Santa Clara County, California, which includes San Jose, has been experiencing a marathon heat wave with multiple days in the 100s. From July 1st to July 11th, 19 people have died from what appears to be heat-related causes.
The Santa Clara County Office of the Medical Examiner-Coroner reported that the 19 fatalities occurred among individuals whose ages varied from 32 to 84 centuries old. According to the coroner’s office, ten of the women were 65 and older, four were homeless, and one was a participant in a housing assistance program.
Initial investigation into the 19 deaths has pointed to a possible heat-related cause. This theory is supported by various factors, such as the temperature within the residences where the bodies were found, the state of the bodies upon discovery, and the victims’ preexisting medical conditions, according to the county.
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that heat waves are amplifying in frequency and duration. Extreme heat can create serious health problems because it raises the core temperature of the body. This is particularly dangerous for the homeless, the young, the elderly, and those with prior health issues since it can cause heat stress, heat stroke, and even death.
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Santa Clara County coroner’s office stated that heatstroke symptoms include a pounding headache, disorientation, nausea, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, fainting, and loss of consciousness, as well as a temperature exceeding 103°F, hot, red, dry, or wet skin, and a quick or strong pulse.
According to the CDC, 1,220 people die each year as a result of heat-related causes.
A record-breaking heat wave in California has been characterized by exceptionally high temperatures for an extended length of time, and Santa Clara County has been no exception. Between July 1st and July 11th, the average afternoon high according to the official Santa Clara County weather gauge at San Jose International Airport was 92 degrees.
July 2 and July 3 were the hottest days according to the gauge during the heat wave, with readings of 102 and 101 degrees, respectively. It reached 99 degrees on Thursday in San Jose. This past Friday, the meteorological service predicted that temperatures will begin to gradually drop back down to ordinary levels.
