Launching criteria of ‘Heatstroke Alert’ in Japan according to regionality and age group

Abstract To reduce heatstroke cases, the Japanese government launched ‘Heatstroke Alert’ in 2020. In this initiative, an alert is issued when daily maximum wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) expected to reach or exceed 33 °C. However, incidents at a of WBGT °C can vary by regions and age groups. study, we analyzed incidence all 47 prefectures Japan °C, considering addition, variations groups, alternative criteria (AHAC) each prefecture group were examined. We also which starts increase (the threshold), as be additional metric for prevention heatstroke. The results showed that northern region (higher latitudes) has more patients with per population, than southern (lower latitudes), factors approximately 3–5, group. suggested AHAC among 29.8 [27.7–31.4] 7–17 years, 32.4 [30.2–33.9] 18–64 30.8 [28.5–33.2] ≥ 65 respectively. exhibited lower threshold (defined value 0.1 persons 10 5 people) 3.5°C–5°C, calculated average was 23.2 [20.4–25.3] 26.3 [24.2–28.1] 23.1 [20.2–25.6] These findings are contribute reinforcement use information preventive manner.