Enhanced Surveillance of Heat-Related Illness in Pinal County

• DOI: 10.5210/ojphi.v10i1.8829
• Publication Date: 2019-10-17T14:17:06Z
• Authors: Dylan C. Kent; Rachel Z. Garcia; Samuel Packard; Graham Briggs; Clancey Hill; Stephanie Griffin; Edward Bedrick; Krystal Collier; Matthew Roach
• Keywords: Heat illness; Preparedness

ObjectiveUsing a syndromic surveillance system to understand the magnitude and risk factors related heat-related illness (HRI) in Pinal County, AZ.IntroductionExtreme heat is major cause of weather-related morbidity mortality United States (US).1 HRI most frequent environmental exposure-related injury treated US emergency departments.2 More than 65,000 room visits occur for acute each summer nationwide.3 In Arizona, accounts an estimated 2,000 patients 118 deaths year.4 As becomes increasingly recognized as public health issue, local departments are tasked with building capacity conduct enhanced order inform preparedness response efforts. understanding important informing prevention efforts well developing strategies respond extreme heat.MethodsTo gain better historical cases were reviewed from hospital discharge data (HDD) 2010-2016. Cases included if record any ICD codes consistent (ICD-9 992 or ICD-10 T67 X30) patient’s county residence was County. Recent during 2017 identified using National Syndromic Surveillance Program BioSense Platform. The ESSENCE tool within Platform includes reported by hospitals. This can be used detect abnormal activity investigation. based on chief complaint terms according standardized algorithm developed Council State Territorial Epidemiologists.1 Both department admitted abstracted HDD ESSENCE. To assess 2017, survey instrument developed. Survey questions nature location incident, potential factors, knowledge awareness HRI. ESSENSE weekly basis May 1, 2017-September 12, follow up phone interviews conducted eligible cases. For interview, three attempts made contact patient phone. excluded incarcerated, deceased, did not have upon medical review. An exploratory analysis performed HDD, ESSENCE, interviews.ResultsPinal County Public Health Services District 1,321 2010-2016, average 189 per year. Hospital suggest more likely males between ages 20-44 years old (27%). It also notable that sharp increase observed year mid-to-late June, 14% annual occurring third week June. Further showed 31% received treatment Casa Grande central Between 1st September 12th 161 detected Of which 149 determined HRI; 22 information, 4 ineligible due incarceration death. A total 31 interviewed out 123 (25% rate). Interview indicated occupational exposure factor Additional while at home traveling, although interview results representative small sample size (n=31).ConclusionsSyndromic combined review provides informative approach monitoring responding Data should expect mid-June year, typically coinciding first Weather Service Extreme Heat Warning season. Preliminary frequently working occupations expose workers conditions. information needed among vulnerable populations who represented this study, including individuals homeless, undocumented, elderly, correctional facilities. Future areas improvement include improving script English Spanish language versions performing abstractions all Enhanced recommended provide County.References1. Heat-Related Illness Syndrome Query: Guidance Document Implementing Practice. In: Epidemiologists CoSaT, ed. Vol 1.02016:1-12.2. Pillai SK, Noe RS, Murphy MW, et al. illness: predictors admissions visits-Georgia, 2002-2008. J Community Health. 2014;39(1):90-98.3. Centers Disease Control Prevention . Climate Change Heat: What You Can Do Prepare. 2016; Available https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf4. Trends Morbidity Mortality Exposure Excessive Natural 2012 report. ADoH, ed2012.