Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

High Temperatures and Humidity Can Be Extremely Dangerous

Tuesday - Jul 19, 2016

Champaign, IL - The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) and the Champaign County Emergency Management Agency (CCEMA) urge everyone to watch for the symptoms of heat-related illness, and to take precautions to keep their families and communities safe.

Heat-related illness can take many forms ranging from a mild case of heat exhaustion to a more serious and life-threatening case of heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly and the body looses its ability to perspire and cool down. Rising to temperatures of 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes can result in death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include:

An extremely high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
Red, hot, and dry skin (no signs of perspiration)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness or confusion
Nausea

Read the full press relase. (PDF)