Key Points

Following the early heat wave of June 2017, a second heat wave triggering the yellow and orange alert levels specified in the National Heat Wave Plan (PNC) affected the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions in France between July 4 and 9, 2017. This heat wave affected the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region from July 4 to 9, with:

• A heatwave in six departments of the region (Ain, Allier, Isère, Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Rhône),

• An observed number of deaths (all causes combined) that increased while remaining within the usual range observed for the general population (all ages). Regardless of age group, no significant excess was observed.

• An impact on healthcare utilization: 159 emergency room visits, primarily among adults over 15 and people aged 75 and older, 68% of which were followed by hospitalization (77% for those aged 75 and older) and 51 SOS Médecins consultations for heat-related conditions among children under 15 and people aged 75 and older.

The health impacts observed during these episodes underscore the importance of strengthening prevention efforts.