Summer mortality down compared to 2015-2019 but risk remains high

Last Thursday, the Italian Ministry of Health convened the Daily Mortality Surveillance System (Sismg), chaired by Paola Michelozzi, director of the Epidemiology Department of the Local Health Authority ASL 1 in the Lazio Region. The system is designed to monitor heat-related deaths during the summer and provide early warnings. Compared to the 2015-2019 period, this summer's mortality rates have shown a decline. However, authorities emphasize that the risk remains high, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.

The Sismg system collects and analyzes daily mortality data from 34 cities across Italy. This data is used to detect increases in deaths during extreme heat waves. The system aims to protect public health by enabling timely interventions by health authorities. During the meeting, Michelozzi noted that this summer's data is better than the 2015-2019 average, but warned against complacency.

Summer temperatures exceeding seasonal norms pose a threat, particularly to populations in large cities. In Italy, thousands of people die each year from heat-related health issues. In the summer of 2022, it is estimated that over 60,000 people died across Europe due to heat waves. This year's decline suggests that preventive measures and early warning systems are proving effective.

The Ministry of Health advises citizens to avoid going out during peak heat hours, drink plenty of water, and not leave elderly people alone. Municipalities are supporting the public by opening cooling centers and distributing water. Additionally, training programs for healthcare workers are being organized. Despite these efforts, climate change is expected to make heat waves more frequent and severe.

Experts say that long-term strategies are needed to make the decline in mortality rates permanent. Increasing green spaces in urban planning, improving building insulation, and raising public awareness are important steps. Michelozzi stated that the current system should be improved and expanded. Italy is considered one of the leading countries in Europe in this field.