Heat-Associated Mortality and Emergency Department Utilization in Southern Nevada During 2024: A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis
AI Summary
Marked rise in heat-associated outcomes in 2024: 513 deaths (73% increase) and 3,548 ED visits, peaking during >110°F periods in July.
Deaths concentrated among males, middle-aged and older adults, people experiencing homelessness, and those with substance involvement, predominantly methamphetamine.
Geographic clustering in lower-income central and eastern ZIP codes indicates structural determinants of risk and underscores need for targeted, population-specific public health interventions.
Background Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related mortality in the United States and is increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change. Southern Nevada experiences prolonged summer temperatures frequently exceeding 110°F, creating sustained environmental exposure and elevated risk for heat-related illness and death. Methods A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using publicly available data on heat-associated deaths identified by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner and heat-related emergency department (ED) visits captured through syndromic surveillance. Demographic characteristics, housing status, substance involvement, temporal trends, and geographic distribution were analyzed. Results In 2024, Clark County recorded 513 heat-associated deaths, representing a 73% increase from 2023, and 3,548 heat-related ED visits. Mortality disproportionately affected males (n=395; 77%), middle-aged and older adults, individuals experiencing homelessness (n=174; 34%), and those with documented substance involvement (n=287; 56%), most commonly methamphetamine. Mortality and ED visits increased sharply during periods when daily temperatures exceeded 110°F, with peak deaths occurring in July. Geographic analysis demonstrated clustering of deaths in lower-income central and eastern ZIP codes, while several higher-income areas reported few or no deaths. Conclusions Heat-associated mortality in Southern Nevada is not evenly distributed but concentrated among populations with overlapping social and behavioral vulnerabilities. These findings suggest that structural determinants of health, including housing instability, substance use, and neighborhood-level inequities, are associated with heat-related risk. As extreme heat events become more frequent, targeted, population-specific public health interventions will be critical to reducing preventable mortality.
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