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59-year-old man is Maryland’s first heat-related death of the season

BALTIMORE, MD—A man is dead after being exposed to extreme heat in Maryland. The 59-year-old man from Prince George’s County is the first person reported to have died from heat-related injuries this year, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

“We are very saddened to report our first heat-related death of the 2024 season,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “As we experience more hot days in Maryland this summer, this tragedy reminds us to take the necessary steps to avoid overheating. Also, be sure to check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be particularly vulnerable to heat, including young children, senior citizens and people with chronic diseases.”



The Maryland Department of Health defines extreme heat as “summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.” In some areas of Maryland, it can be much hotter than average. The muggy conditions can also make it feel much hotter than it actually is. The health department recommends staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, and avoiding direct sunlight during the peak heat hours of the day.

Children and pets should never be left in a vehicle during extreme heat. On a 80-degree day, temperatures inside a vehicle can reach well over 100 degrees within half an hour.

Residents can report suspected heat-related illnesses to their local health department or call 2-1-1 for assistance.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels


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