The impact of the 2003 heat wave on mortality in Shanghai, China.
In 2003, Shanghai recorded the hottest summer in over 50years. We investigated the impact on the mortality of a heat wave in 2003 in Shanghai. We calculated excess mortality and rate ratios (RRs) during the heat wave (July 19-August 6, 2003) compared to a reference (non-heatwave) period (June 28-July 9, and August 16-August 22). During the heat wave, the RR of total mortality was 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06-1.20), and the impact was greatest for cardiovascular (RR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.32) and respiratory (RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.02-1.48) mortality. Gender did not make a statistically significant difference for the heat-wave impact. Elderly people (over 65years) were most vulnerable to the heat wave. Our analysis showed that the 2003 heat wave had a substantial effect on mortality in Shanghai. Public health programs should be implemented to prevent heat wave-related health problems in the city.
Huang
Wei
W
Center for Environment and Health at Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, and College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Kan
Haidong
H
Kovats
Sari
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D004190:Disasters; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality; D015996:Survival Rate; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult