Italy has been experiencing a severe heat wave for several days now, affecting many cities, especially those that are popular tourist destinations. As a result, the number of emergency cases admitted to hospitals in these areas has increased by 20 percent. The entire European continent is suffering from the heat. In several countries, including France, Spain and Italy, temperatures are rising to unprecedented levels.
Extreme heat warnings
Italy’s health ministry has issued extreme heat warnings for 17 cities across the country, including Rome, Naples, Florence and Venice. Temperatures have reached 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, and experts expect the heatwave to last until mid-August.
In these extreme temperatures, even healthy people could be at risk, according to Italian authorities. They have advised people in the affected areas not to go out during the peak sun hours (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The situation is particularly serious in Rome, where several people lost consciousness during a meeting in Vatican Square.
Hospitals are crowded
As a result of the heatwave, hospitals and emergency services are struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Fabio D’Iaco, president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, confirmed that emergency admissions have increased by 20 percent in recent days, especially among the elderly with pre-existing conditions.
Only about 1-2% of emergencies require hospitalization, while others can be treated with simple rehydration measures. In the face of overcrowding, doctors advise people not to go to hospital for illnesses that can be treated at home.
Despite the extreme heat, no single-day temperature records were broken in July 2023. However, authorities indicate that this is a record heatwave in terms of its duration.
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- Italy has experienced a severe heat wave that has affected many cities.
- Hospitals have seen a 20 percent increase in emergency cases due to the heat.
- Severe heat warnings have been issued in 17 cities across the country.
- The Italian Ministry of Health has advised people to stay at home during peak hours.
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