Heat-Related Deaths during the July 1995 Heat Wave in Chicago

Hot summer weather cannot be prevented; however, morbidity and mortality related to summer heat can be reduced.1 Previous research shows that the excess mortality associated with sustained hot weather affects predominantly high-risk populations living in urban areas where there has not been a heat wave for several years.2?7 Simple measures such as increasing fluid intake and gaining access to air conditioning can reduce heat-related mortality.1,8 However, implementing preventive strategies targeted to groups at risk has proved to be difficult, and many preventable deaths continue to occur throughout the United States during the summer months.9 From July 12 through . . .