Increased mortality during the 2010 heat wave in Harbin, China.

In this study, we investigated the effect on daily mortality of a 2010 heat wave in the city of Harbin in northern China. We calculated mortality rate ratios (RRs) by comparing the number of deaths during the heat wave period (June 7th-11th, 2010) to the number of deaths in the reference period (June 8th-12th, 2009). During the heat wave period, an overall excess of 41 % in total mortality occurred in Harbin. The RR of total mortality was 1.41 (95 % CI 1.22-1.63). Analysis by categories also found dramatic increases in the number of deaths in different gender, age groups and places of death. The 2010 heat wave was a strong risk factor for mortality in Harbin. Public health efforts should be improved to address the potential adverse health effects of heat waves.

Duke Scholars

Author Li Lan Molecular Genetics and Microbiology