Excess mortality associated with extreme heat in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2023

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Extreme heat waves pose a growing public health threat, intensified by climate change.
• Understanding the full scope of mortality associated with heat waves is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify excess mortality during the November 2023 extreme heat wave in Rio de Janeiro.
• To identify specific disease categories and demographic groups affected by the heat wave.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the excess heat factor (EHF) to characterize the heat wave event.
• Analyzed excess mortality across diverse disease categories, including neurological and genitourinary conditions.

Main Results:

• An estimated 1,392 excess deaths occurred during the short heat wave period.
• Mortality disproportionately affected older adults and women, with many deaths occurring at home.
• Observed mortality patterns deviated from typical heat-related causes, indicating complex health impacts.

Conclusions:

• The study underscores the significant health burden of extreme heat waves and associated vulnerabilities.
• Urgent implementation of comprehensive heat alert systems, intersectoral action plans, and public education is recommended.
• Adaptive strategies in urban planning and public health policy are essential to mitigate future heat wave impacts in Brazil.