Phoenix – Fever-related deaths fell in Maricopa County in 2024 compared to 2023 as cities across the county work to increase heat relief efforts.
A report released Monday shows that Maricopa County had 602 fever-related deaths in 2024 compared to 645 in 2023. Eight additional deaths in 2024 are still under investigation.
“Deaths are unacceptable. We will continue to work to ensure that the most vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness, have shelter and fever relief options in the summer heat,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in the release. “But these numbers show that we are impacting, making a difference, saving lives.”
County reports show that 602 fever-related deaths in 2024 are higher than any other year, at least back in 2014.
Maricopa County
Phoenix fever-related statistics from Mayor Gallegos’s office:
(From May 1, 2024 to September 25, 2024)
- 1,358 heat-related calls for services (Source: Phoenix FD). Of these calls, only 203 were within a mile of the cooling or resting centre during the extension of business hours.
- 33,247 visits at rest and extended cooling centres (based on intake forms received).
- 30,304 visitors indicated they had experienced homelessness.
- 29,757 visitors indicated they wanted only cooling services.
- 959 visitors were introduced to various shelter or homeless solutions, Community Bridges, Inc. I received direct on-site support from.
Like Phoenix, and many other cities in the Valley, it increased its hot relief stations and water and shade resources in 2024. Authorities continue to evaluate additional options more than in the summer of 2025.
Read the full Maricopa County 2024 report here.
