The excess mortality that accompanied the two episodes of heat wave last June and July was “moderate” according to the first assessment drawn up by Public Health France. The health authorities have identified 1,435 excess deaths: 567 during the first heat wave and 868 during the second, i.e. a relative excess mortality of 9.1% compared to normal deaths.
expected during these periods.
Those over 75 are the most affected
These numbers are comparable to those of last year, while heat records have nevertheless been broken: 4 departments (Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, Hérault, Gard) were indeed placed on red alert during the first heat wave, then 20 departments in the north of the country (Régions Hauts de France, Ile de France and their neighboring departments) during the second heat wave, a first since 2003. That year, heat wave resulted in 15,000 additional deaths.
All age groups were impacted, but it was people over 75 who were the most affected with 974 excess deaths. It should be noted that the 15-44 year olds recorded a higher excess mortality during the first heat wave (17.4%), while the 65-74 year olds were more victims of the second wave (16.4%). Of the number of deaths recorded, 10 people succumbed to the heat wave at their place of work. All are men, the majority of whom worked outdoors.
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