As summer heats up in Riverside County, public health officials with Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS – PH) remind residents to protect themselves against extreme heat and heat-related illness.
According to the RUHS – PH Heat Related Illness Dashboard, Riverside County recorded 1,627 emergency department visits and 65 deaths due to heat-related illness in 2024, with the highest number of visits and deaths in July. So far this year, there have been 550 heat-related emergency department visits and two deaths.
“Extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially for those who work outdoors, as well as for older adults, young children, pregnant women, those with heart disease and individuals who have other chronic medical conditions,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky. “It’s important to know the signs of heat illness, what to do if you become sick and how to protect your family from the potentially life-threatening effects of devastating temperatures.”…