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Maricopa County reports 25 heat-caused deaths so far in 2020

Posted at 3:28 PM, Aug 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-15 18:28:12-04

In the latest weekly report from Maricopa County Public Health, the county has seen a total of 25 heat-caused deaths so far this year, with hundreds of other deaths being investigated for heat-related causes.

Additionally, 11 county deaths are considered "heat related" and 222 are "under investigation" for heat causes, according to the latest information from county officials.

It appears the majority of the heat-caused deaths occurred in July with a large portion of deaths "under investigation" for heat causes happening within the last six weeks.

Graph: Maricopa County Public Health

Of the total this year, four were "indoor" deaths and all of those incidents either did not have their air conditioning unit on or it was not functioning.

At the same time last year, officials reported 27 heat-caused deaths and a significantly lower number of deaths under investigation, which was at 122.

Over the last six years, Maricopa County has seen an increase in the number of heat associated deaths, with heat-caused deaths seeing a steady climb.

Graph: Maricopa County Public Health

For the latest information on heat-related deaths, visit the Maricopa County Public Health's website.