French health authorities have reported a sharp increase in heat-related deaths and emergency medical cases during the June heat wave, according to a health bulletin released on Wednesday.
The report found that deaths among people aged 75 and older recorded by the SOS Médecins house-call service rose by 85% between June 22 and 28.
Hospital emergency departments also saw a significant rise in admissions for hyperthermia (715%) and dehydration (229%) compared with the same period last year. Visits related to fainting increased by 37%, reaching 5,880 cases.
Emergency visits also increased among children under two and adults aged 75 and above, while SOS Médecins reported a 480% rise in heatstroke consultations and a 316% increase in dehydration-related consultations across all age groups.
Preliminary estimates indicate that at least 1,000 excess deaths were recorded during the heat wave, with updated mortality figures expected to be released on Friday.