title: Heat wave morbidity and mortality, Milwaukee, Wis, 1999 vs 1995: an improved response?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study examined whether differences in heat alone, as opposed to public health interventions or other factors, accounted for the reduction in heat-related deaths and paramedic emergency medical service (EMS) runs between 1995 and 1999 during 2 heat waves occurring in Milwaukee, Wis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two previously described prediction models were adapted to compare expected and observed heat-related morbidity and mortality in 1999 based on the city's 1995 experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both models showed that heat-related deaths and EMS runs in 1999 were at least 49% lower than levels predicted by the 1995 relation between heat and heat-related deaths or EMS runs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reductions in heat-related morbidity and mortality in 1999 were not attributable to differences in heat levels alone. Changes in public health preparedness and response may also have contributed to these reductions.
authors: Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga, USA. mweissko@hsph.harvard.edu
authors: Marc G
authors: MG
authors: Weisskopf
authors: Henry A
authors: HA
authors: Anderson
authors: Seth
authors: S
authors: Foldy
authors: Lawrence P
authors: LP
authors: Hanrahan
authors: Kathleen
authors: K
authors: Blair
authors: Thomas J
authors: TJ
authors: Török
authors: Peter D
authors: PD
authors: Rumm
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002423:Cause of Death / Q000639:trends*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003644:Death Certificates; D005260:Female; D006359:Heat Exhaustion / Q000401:mortality; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000401:mortality*; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000401:mortality; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012621:Seasons; D014504:Urban Health; D014887:Weather; D014922:Wisconsin / Q000453:epidemiology