Heat wave morbidity and mortality, Milwaukee, Wis, 1999 vs 1995: an improved response?
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.
Weisskopf
Marc G
MG
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga, USA. mweissko@hsph.harvard.edu
Anderson
Henry A
HA
Foldy
Seth
S
Hanrahan
Lawrence P
LP
Blair
Kathleen
K
Török
Thomas J
TJ
Rumm
Peter D
PD
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