Search

Search

Italian Hospitals Report Increase in Heat-Related Cases as Tourists Keep Coming

The number of people seeking emergency care for heat-related illnesses has surged in some of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, as the country grapples with an intense heatwave that hasn’t discouraged visitors.

Italian Hospitals Report Increase in Heat-Related Cases as Tourists Keep Coming

The number of people seeking emergency care for heat-related illnesses has surged in some of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, as the country grapples with an intense heatwave that hasn't discouraged visitors.

Since mid-June, Italy has been enduring consecutive heatwaves, with temperatures in central and southern areas expected to exceed 40°C in the coming days. On Monday, the health ministry issued a red alert for 17 cities, signaling that even healthy individuals could be at risk due to the extreme heat. People in these areas are advised to avoid direct sunlight between 11 AM and 6 PM.

Fabio De Iaco, president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine, reported a 20% increase in emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses in cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and Naples. In Rome, there have been cases of people fainting at iconic sites like St. Peter's Square and the Trevi Fountain.

Dr. Pierpaolo Ciocchetti, head of the emergency department at Fatebenefratelli Hospital in central Rome, noted that most of those needing care were elderly and had pre-existing health conditions. However, he warned that younger people should not underestimate the dangers of the heat. He also mentioned that hospital admissions for COVID-19 have been rising.

Most heat-related cases are treated with rehydration, with only 1-2% requiring hospitalization. In July, four heat-related deaths were reported in Italy. Last week, a 26-year-old woman in Turin underwent an emergency liver transplant after collapsing from heatstroke while working on a farm.

Despite the heat, tourism in Italy remains strong, with the number of foreign visitors estimated to be 2.5% higher than in 2023. In July and August, Italy's major cities are packed with tourists, while many Italians seek cooler climates at the beach or in the mountains. However, with sea temperatures also surpassing 30°C, finding relief from the heat along the coast is becoming increasingly difficult.