[Epidemiological features of heatstroke in Shaoxing, China in 2008-2014]

To investigate the epidemiological features of heatstroke in Shaoxing, China in 2008-2014, and to provide a reference for developing prevention and control measures for heatstroke.

The reports on heatstroke in Shaoxing in 2008-2014 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the data were summarized and analyzed.

A total of 1 676 heatstroke cases were reported in Shaoxing in 2008-2014, among which 1 485 cases(88.6%) were mild heatstroke and 191 cases(11.4%) were severe heatstroke. Nine persons died of severe heatstroke, and the fatality rate was 0.5%(9/1 676). Among these persons, 4(44.4%, 4/9) were the elderly living at home, 4 (44.4%, 4/9) were farmers (working outdoors), and 1(11.2%, 1/9) was unemployed. The male patients with heatstroke accounted for 66.3%(1 111/1 676), and those with severe heatstroke accounted for 13.1%(146/1 111); the female patients with heatstroke accounted for 33.7%(565/1 676), and those with severe heatstroke accounted for 8.0%(45/565); there were significant differences between male and female patients(χ(2)=9.94, P=0.002). The mean age of patients with heatstroke was 48.7±18.8 years; the mean age of male patients was 49.8±17.9 years, and that of female patients was 46.6±20.3 years, with a significant difference between the male and female patients(t=3.19, P<0.001). Most of the patients experiencing heatstroke were in their forties or fifties, each accounting for 19.2%(321/1 676); in male patients who experienced heatstroke, those in their fifties accounted for the highest percentage(21.5%, 239/1 111), and in female patients who experienced heatstroke, those in their twenties accounted for the highest percentage (18.9%, 107/565). Based on stratification by age, the severity of heatstroke differed significantly between male and female patients in their forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and eighties(P<0.05). Most of the cases of heatstroke occurred in June to September, accounting for 98.9%(1 657/1 676), particularly in July and August, accounting for 87.1%(1 460/1 676).

In Shaoxing, heatstroke usually occurs in summer, and most cases are mild. Middle-aged and elderly men and farmers(working outdoors) are susceptible to heatstroke, and warnings on heatstroke and emergency treatment of severe heatstroke should be enhanced.