Loire-Atlantique. heat wave episodes this summer have led to an increase in deaths

Le Figaro Nantes

According to Météo France, the summer of 2022 was the second hottest (after 2003) in France since 1900. The temperature difference was +2.3°C compared to the 1991 to 2021 average. Overheating that did not save. Loire-Atlantique. During the summer period, the department was put on heat wave alert mode three times.

• on July 17 and 18 in red alert;
• from June 15 to 18, then July 16, as well as from August 9 to 13 under orange alert conditions.

A total of 12 days, during which the bodies were handed over for examination. A study published by Public Health France has provided new figures on this reality. “In the Pays de la Loire, in Three Periods […] 175 excess deaths were estimated, all causes combined, i.e. a relative excess mortality of +18%.”, says the health authority. He notes that this is the second heat wave episode (July, editor’s note) that has resulted in the highest number of deaths and that they are concerned; “Most people 75 and older”.

In Loire-Atlantique, the numbers are as follows. Estimated excess mortality of 99, i.e. relative excess mortality +23%. In proportion, the department is second regionally after Maine-et-Loire (40 estimated excess deaths and relative excess mortality +33%). Then comes Mayen (11 deaths, +20%), Sarthe (7 deaths, +8%) and Vande (18 deaths, +7%).

Hyperthermia and dehydration

Regionally, the excess number of heat wave deaths in 2022 (175) is second only to 2003 (+896 deaths). In terms of relative excess mortality, it ranks third compared to 2003 (+90%) and 2020 (+33%).

The study by Public Health France also highlights the impact of this summer’s heat waves on health services in the region. “Emergency use of heat-related pathologies (hyperthermia, dehydration and hyponatremia) presented 109 SOS Médecins acts, 197 visits to the emergency room, of which 124 were followed by hospitalization.”, is written. As for his stats, no departmental level numbers are given.

The health authority is still providing some information on the profiles of the most affected people; “Transitions in emergency structures mainly concerned people aged 75 and over, and SOS Doctors’ procedures mainly concerned 15-74-year-olds. »