Heatwave 2003

(et) The heatwave 2003 caused excess mortality in various European countries, such as Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany and England. In France, which was most affected by the heat, about 15'000 excess death were counted in the month of August 2003. On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (SFOPH) and the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL) the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Basel has explored the situation in Switzerland.
The study shows that, in comparison to other years, there were about 1000 excess death in Switzerland during the months June, July and August 2003. A large number of deaths occurred in Basel, Geneva and Lausanne, and elderly people were most affected. In order to mitigate the consequences of future heat periods the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health and the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape inform via fact sheets and internet about the health effects of climatic changes and on how to behave during hot weather periods.

For further information (available in German and French):
www.hitzewelle.ch
Source: Press conference by SFOPH and SAEFL, 24 Mai 2005