As the World Cup continues, doctors are warning of the risks of extreme heat for fans attending matches in US host cities, particularly in open-air stadiums. Miami, Kansas City, and Philadelphia are among the cities with the highest risk of heat-related illnesses due to their outdoor stadiums.
Heat-Related Illnesses a Concern
Experts caution that spectators and workers are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses than the athletes themselves. Players have access to medical teams, cooling breaks, and carefully monitored conditions, but many fans and workers may spend hours in the heat without the same relief.
Dr. Fabian Arous, a sports medicine physician, said that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two main concerns. "Heat exhaustion specifically, which is the most common presentation that we see, can be a myriad of symptoms that includes headache, nausea, fatigue, abdominal cramping, leg cramps," he said.
Preparing for Heat Risks
Host cities are taking steps to prepare for the heat risks, including setting up medical areas and cooling stations for fans. Dr. Kathleen Faccio, an emergency medicine physician, said that her team is gearing up for the next several matches and will ensure they have IV fluids among the medical supplies on site.
The National Association of County and City Health Officials is also monitoring forecasts to determine when soaring temperatures could pose public health threats. Extreme heat remains the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
