OBJECTIVES: This study assessed mortality associated with the mid-July 1995 heat wave in Chicago. METHODS: Analyses focused on heat-related deaths, as designated by the medical examiner, and on the number of excess deaths. RESULTS: In July 1995, there were 514 heat-related deaths and 696 excess deaths. People 65 years of age or older were overrepresented and Hispanic people underrepresented. During the most intense heat (July 14 through 20), there were 485 heat-related deaths and 739 excess deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The methods used here provide insight into the great impact of the Chicago heat wave on selected populations, but the lack of methodological standards makes comparisons across geographical areas problematic.
