Second heat wave in France leaves 1,243 dead

The second heat wave recorded in France between July 3 and 22 caused an excess mortality of 1,243 deaths, according to estimates by Santé Publique France, the European country's national public health agency.

The agency specified that three-quarters of the deaths were among people aged 75 and over, although the increase in mortality was observed in all age groups after 45 years of age. Regarding the place of occurrence, 51.1% of deaths occurred in hospitals, 25.9% in homes and 18.5% in nursing homes.

Santé Publique France noted that the balance sheet does not include the effects of the third heat wave, which began on July 28 and lasted through the first days of August. Health authorities are keeping active prevention and care protocols for the high temperatures affecting the country.