Heat illness among high school athletes--United States, 2005-2009.
BACKGROUND
Heat illness is a leading cause of death and disability among U.S. high school athletes.


METHODS
To examine the incidence and characteristics of heat illness among high school athletes, CDC analyzed data from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study for the period 2005-2009.


RESULTS
During 2005-2009, the 100 schools sampled reported a total of 118 heat illnesses among high school athletes resulting in ≥1day of time lost from athletic activity, a rate of 1.6 per 100,000 athlete-exposures, and an average of 29.5 time-loss heat illnesses per school year. The average corresponds to a weighted average annual estimate of 9,237 illnesses nationwide. The highest rate of time-loss heat illness was among football players, 4.5 per 100,000 athlete-exposures, a rate 10 times higher than the average rate (0.4) for the eight other sports. Time-loss heat illnesses occurred most frequently during August (66.3%) and while practicing or playing football (70.7%). No deaths were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with guidelines from the National Athletic Trainers' Association, to reduce the risk for heat illness, high school athletic programs should implement heat-acclimatization guidelines (e.g., set limits on summer practice duration and intensity). All athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, and parents/guardians should be aware of the risk factors for heat illness, follow recommended strategies, and be prepared to respond quickly to symptoms of illness. Coaches also should continue to stress to their athletes the importance of maintaining proper hydration before, during, and after sports activities.


CONCLUSIONS
By implementing preventive recommendations and quickly recognizing and responding to heat illness, coaches, athletic trainers, and the sporting community can prevent future deaths.
Health Studies Branch, Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. eyard@cdc.gov
Ellen E
EE
Yard
Julie
J
Gilchrist
Tadesse
T
Haileyesus
Matthew
M
Murphy
Christy
C
Collins
Natalie
N
McIlvain
R Dawn
RD
Comstock
D000293:Adolescent; D056352:Athletes; D057231:Climate Change; D005260:Female; D018883:Heat Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology