The Junta de Andalucía has confirmed the sixth death from heat stroke in the community, the fifth in the province of Seville. The victim, aged 81, was hospitalised for seven days at the Virgen Macarena Hospital after suffering exposure to high temperatures on July 7.
The Department of Presidency, Health and Emergencies has reported a new death from heat stroke in the province of Seville. This involves an 81-year-old woman who remained seven days in the Virgen Macarena University Hospital after being exposed to high temperatures in public on July 7, according to the Andalusian health alert protocol.
The victim had personal medical history that placed her within the special risk groups outlined in the Andalusian Coordination Protocol against the Effects of Excessive Temperatures on Health 2026, active from May 15 to September 30. This is the sixth death from heat stroke in Andalusia since the start of the season, and the fifth in the province of Seville, where three women and two men aged between 48 and 81 have died.
A Deadly Summer in the Province of Seville
According to data provided by the Junta, so far this season there have been 1,268 emergencies related to heat-related conditions across Andalusia, of which 872 were treated in primary care and 396 in hospitals. Of the 18 confirmed cases of heat stroke, all required hospitalisation. Currently, seven people remain hospitalised and six have died, five of them in Seville.
The daily mortality monitoring system (MoMo) from the Ministry of Health raises the number of heat-related deaths in Andalusia to 248 since the start of the season, of which 113 are concentrated in the province of Seville. Nationwide, the figure rises to 2,241, mostly involving individuals with severe or chronic pre-existing conditions and advanced age.
Recommendations for Seville Residents: How to Protect Against Extreme Heat
The Health Department insists that the most vulnerable groups are those over 65, chronic patients, individuals taking medications such as diuretics or antihypertensives, children under four years old and infants, as well as those living alone or in unfavourable conditions. Also included are those who work outdoors or engage in intense exercise between 2 PM and 7 PM.
For residents of the province of Seville, where temperatures frequently exceed alert thresholds, authorities recommend avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, wearing light-coloured and loose clothing, staying hydrated, and protecting babies and children under six months from direct sunlight. The Andalusian protocol is based on forecasts from AEMET and establishes alert levels according to the risk of excessive temperatures.
The Seville City Council has reminded that hydration points and municipal swimming pools remain open to help citizens combat the heat. Additionally, it is recommended that elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses consult their GP on how to adjust their medication during extreme heat episodes.
At the Virgen Macarena Hospital, the Emergency team has seen a significant increase in heat-related cases in recent weeks. The average number of admissions for heat stroke has doubled compared to the same period last year, according to hospital sources. Health professionals stress the importance of remaining vigilant and seeking medical attention at the first signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
For Seville residents working outdoors, such as builders or farmers, the Junta recommends taking frequent breaks in the shade and drinking water every 20 minutes. Health centres in the province have been instructed to prioritise care for patients with symptoms of dehydration or heat stroke, and information hotlines have been established to address questions on how to act during a heatwave.
The high-temperature season extends until September 30, and forecasts indicate that thermometers will continue to exceed 40 degrees in large areas of the province. The Andalusian protocol will remain active until that date, with daily reviews of alert levels based on AEMET data.
Residents of Seville city and municipalities such as Alcalá de Guadaíra, Dos Hermanas, or Écija, where the heat is particularly intense, can check the alert level daily on the Health Department's website and on the official profiles of Civil Protection. Prevention remains the best tool to avoid new tragedies like that of this 81-year-old woman.
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