4 days ago
Over 10,000 people sent to hospital last week due to heatstroke
A total of 10,048 people were taken to hospital with heatstroke in Japan in the week through Sunday, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said in a preliminary report Tuesday.
As temperatures soared nationwide, the weekly figure more than doubled that of a week earlier — which was 4,665 — and exceeded 10,000 for the first time since this year's records began on May 1.
Of those hospitalized last week, 5,973 people, or around 60%, were age 65 or older.
Eight people died.
About 40% developed heatstroke at home or in other residential settings.
The agency is calling on people to use their air conditioners and to hydrate frequently amid the summer heat.
