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Heat wave 2003 and mortality in Switzerland
Leticia Grize1, Anke Huss, Oliver Thommen
1Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Basel. Leticia.Grize@unibas.ch
Swiss Medical Weekly
|May 24, 2005
Summary
The 2003 European heat wave caused a 7% rise in Swiss mortality, particularly affecting the elderly and urban populations north of the Alps. This highlights the need for heat wave preparedness, especially with increasing global temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Epidemiology
- Climate Change Impact
Background:
- Europe experienced severe heat waves in summer 2003, with notable increases in mortality observed in countries like France.
- Switzerland also recorded high temperatures during this period, prompting an investigation into its impact on mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the high summer temperatures in Switzerland during 2003 had a measurable effect on mortality rates.
- To analyze excess mortality patterns by age, gender, and geographic region.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of daily all-cause mortality data (1990-2003) and meteorological data from 20 Swiss stations.
- Calculation of excess mortality and correlation of daily mortality with temperature, including lags up to 7 days.
Main Results:
- An estimated 7% increase in all-cause mortality occurred in Switzerland from June to August 2003.
- Excess mortality was concentrated north of the Alps, in urban/suburban areas, and among the elderly, particularly in Basel, Geneva, and Lausanne.
- Significant correlations were found between daily mortality and maximum/night temperatures, with extreme heat conditions (day >35°C, night >20°C) prevalent in Basel and Geneva.
Conclusions:
- The findings underscore the vulnerability of the elderly and urban populations to heat waves.
- Given the projected increase in heat waves due to global warming and Switzerland's aging population, targeted preventive programs are essential.
- This study provides crucial data for public health strategies addressing extreme heat events.
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