Another deadly summer reported in El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Another scorching summer hit El Paso in 2024. The days were filled with triple-digit temperatures, as many El Pasoans did everything they could to escape the blistering heat.

This year so far, 54 triple-digit days have been reported. In 2023, the Borderland reached 70 triple-digit days, officially making it the hottest year on record.

ABC-7 learned this year's heat turned deadly yet again.

According to the Office of the Medical Examiner in El Paso County, 11 heat-related deaths have been documented this year so far.

In 2023, 14 heat-related deaths were reported.

Only five heat-related deaths were reported in 2019.

ABC-7 also contacted the University Medical Center to learn how many patients the hospital treated with heat-related symptoms this summer.

A hospital spokesperson said that between May and August of this year, UMC treated a total of 49 patients.

During that same period in 2023, the hospital had 58 cases of heat exhaustion diagnoses.

“Obviously, if people are not taking that into consideration while performing activities, you know, outdoors, then we'll have more symptomatic cases coming," said Dr. Jose Burgos, an internal medicine specialist at UMC.

Dr. Burgos said there are warning signs.

“It could be anything as simple as a persistent headache. Muscle break, which is medically what we call rhabdomyolysis. And that is definitely a strong reason to admit a patient, because it carries a risk of making or causing renal failure.”

Despite many El Pasoans being accustomed to the hot temperatures, Dr. Burgos said it's important not to let your guard down.

“You have to be well-hydrated. You have to be using the right gear, and you have to try to look for shades; wherever you are, rest. Look for places where the temperature is a little lower, and that will prevent getting any heat-related injury," he said.