A simple method for estimating excess mortality due to heat waves, as applied to the 2006 California heat wave.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize excess mortality during a major heat wave in California and its regions; to assess the validity of a simple method.


METHODS
We calculated mortality rate ratios for the heat-wave period, using a reference period of the same number of days from the same summer. We conducted alternative analyses and compared our results with those from a time-series model.


RESULTS
We estimated 655 excess deaths, a 6% increase (95% confidence interval, 3-9%), impacting varied geographic/climate regions. Alternate analyses supported model validity.


CONCLUSIONS
California experienced excess heat-wave related mortality not restricted to high heat regions. As climate change is anticipated to increase heat events, public health efforts to monitor effects assume greater importance.
Hoshiko
Sumi
S
Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 3rd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804, USA. sumi.hoshiko@cdph.ca.gov
English
Paul
P
Smith
Daniel
D
Trent
Roger
R
D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D057231:Climate Change / Q000401:mortality*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends*; D011159:Population Surveillance
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