FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 3, 2006

Kansas City records third heat death

Street drugs may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths

The Jackson County Medical Examiner's Office on Thursday notified the City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department that heat was a factor in the death of a 54-year-old Kansas City, Mo., man.

The victim, who lived on the city's east side, collapsed at his home Aug. 1. Upon arrival at a local hospital, urinalysis revealed PCP and cocaine in the victim. The victim's core body temperature was 107 degrees F. The combination of hot external temperatures, no air conditioner in the home, and the use of street drugs contributed to the victim suffering a heat stroke and ultimately, led to his death.

Identified as high risk for heat-related illnesses are people who use certain medications, including diuretics, sedatives and narcotics. Many street drugs used for recreational purposes can have many of the same effects as these medications and can increase the body's metabolism, thus increasing the body's internal, or core temperature. If the body cannot sufficiently keep the core temperature down, heat stroke may result. Other high-risk groups include the elderly, those who are chronically ill or disabled, those who are economically disadvantaged, and infants less than 1 year old.

Heat-related deaths are preventable. The Health Department recommends checking on relatives, friends and neighbors who are in one of the five high-risk categories once in the morning and once in the evening during extreme heat conditions. If you have any doubts about a person's welfare, call 9-1-1.

Heat information is located on the Health Department's Web page (www.kcmo.org/health). For heat information and community resources, call the Health Department's community partner United Way 211 line, at 2-1-1 or (816) 474-5112.