Heatwave Relief Recognition Raises Questions About Counting Deaths

The government will now allow some disaster-relief money to be used for heatwaves and lightning.

This can help families and communities affected by extreme heat.

Officials count people who have confirmed heatstroke, but heat can also worsen heart, kidney, and other health problems.

Those deaths may not be recorded as heat-related.

Heat can continue harming people for days or months after a heatwave.

Different agencies currently use different methods for counting heat deaths.

A health surveillance system is being developed to make the numbers more consistent.

Experts believe the real number of heat-related deaths is much higher than official counts.

They want planners to use excess deaths, which compare deaths during hot periods with the number normally expected.