Heat-Associated Mortality and Emergency Department Utilization in Southern Nevada During 2024: A Retrospective
Deanna Chea1, Justin B Atkins2, Oscar A Toro Ruilowa3
1Internal Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine, Las Vegas, USA.
Cureus
|May 26, 2026
Summary
Extreme heat deaths in Southern Nevada surged 73% in 2024, disproportionately impacting homeless individuals and those with substance use issues. Public health interventions must address social vulnerabilities to reduce heat-related mortality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health
- Climate Change Impact
Background:
- Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related mortality in the U.S.
- Climate change is increasing heat event frequency and severity.
- Southern Nevada faces prolonged extreme heat, posing significant health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze heat-associated deaths and emergency department visits in Clark County, Nevada.
- To identify demographic, social, and geographic factors associated with heat-related mortality.
- To inform targeted public health interventions for extreme heat events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive analysis of coroner data and syndromic surveillance.
- Examination of demographic characteristics, housing status, and substance involvement.
- Analysis of temporal trends and geographic distribution of heat-related outcomes.
Main Results:
- Clark County recorded 513 heat-associated deaths in 2024, a 73% increase from 2023.
- Mortality disproportionately affected males, homeless individuals, and those with substance involvement (primarily methamphetamine).
- Deaths and emergency visits peaked in July and clustered in lower-income ZIP codes.
Conclusions:
- Heat-associated mortality is concentrated among populations with social and behavioral vulnerabilities.
- Housing instability, substance use, and neighborhood inequities are linked to increased heat risk.
- Targeted interventions are crucial for reducing preventable heat-related deaths amid rising extreme heat.
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