Analysis of Multiple Measures of Heat Stress on Morbidity and Mortality in Louisiana

This study quantifies heat-related adverse health outcomes (emergency department [ED] visits, inpatient hospitalizations, and fatalities) across Louisiana from 2010–2021 and investigates the performance of dry-bulb temperature, heat index, and wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) in modeling heat-health relationships. We find that >93% of Louisiana’s adverse health outcomes occurred between April–October, with two exceptional months (August 2011 and July 2015) each observing >1,000 ED visits. Fatalities are relatively uncommon; however, an elevated count and rate in the youngest age group was attributed to pediatric vehicular heatstroke, and a pronounced increase occurred following the passage of Hurricane Ida in 2021. Negative binomial regression models using daily maximum heat index identified statistically significant differences in ED visit rates by age, race, and sex. Positive associations between daily maximum heat index and ED visit rates were observed across all age groups; however, the estimated heat-related increase was lowest among the youngest age group and highest among older adults. Although Black residents experience higher rates of heat-related adverse health outcomes and White residents account for a greater number of total cases, model estimates were indistinguishable between the groups, indicating a similar response to heat index. Similarly, ED visit rates increased with heat index at comparable rates for both males and females, despite males having substantially higher case counts and rates compared to females. Healthcare professionals, such as public health agencies and emergency response officials, can use these results to inform residents of their risk of extreme heat and better prepare for future heat events

Adverse weather · Emergency department · Extreme heat · Heat illness · Heat index · Heat stress · Public health · Wet-bulb globe temperature · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Thermal Regulation in Medicine · Thermoregulation and physiological responses