Heat wave sparks surge in Central Virginia emergency room visits for heat-related illnesses

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With the recent heat wave in Central Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has reported its numbers for emergency room (ER) visits in relation to heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses can range from mild heat cramps to severe symptoms like heat stroke -- which occurs when the body doesn't have the ability to cool itself down.

According to data from VDH, between June 22 through June 26, there were 194 visits to the ER in Central Virginia -- and 903 overall in the state of Virginia within that same period.

Based on VDH's research findings, here's a look at reported heat-related illness ER visits in several Central Virginia areas from May 1 to June 29:

For more information about extreme heat and heat-related illnesses, visit VDH's website.