BALTIMORE — The Maryland Department of Health reported the state’s first heat-related death of the 2026 season May 28: an adult male aged 70-80 in Calvert County.
“Our condolences go out to the individual’s family and loved ones,” said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. “As we anticipate more hot days coming our way, we want to remind Marylanders of the steps they can take to guard against overheating, including visiting a local cooling center. Remember to check on those who are particularly vulnerable to heat, including older individuals and people with chronic diseases.”
The death comes as Maryland enters the peak heat season, typically monitored from May through September. The department tracks heat-related illnesses and fatalities through its Weather-Related Illness Data Dashboard, updated every Wednesday. During the 2025 heat season, Maryland recorded 34 heat-related deaths.
Calvert County, like much of southern Maryland, experiences high heat indices during summer months. Local officials have previously activated cooling centers during heat advisories, including public libraries, senior centers and community buildings equipped with air conditioning and hydration resources. Residents can check the Calvert County government website or contact the Calvert County Health Department for current cooling center locations and hours.
The department encourages the following measures to cope with extreme heat: drink plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol, caffeine and overly-sweetened beverages; wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing; avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen; stay in the shade when possible; avoid salt tablets unless advised by a doctor; and schedule physical activity in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler, taking breaks if necessary.
Warning signs of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke or heat cramps, include muscle pain or spasms, headache, vomiting, extreme weakness, nausea, disorientation and rapid, shallow breathing. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a healthcare professional immediately and seek emergency medical care when warranted.
Officials also issued a strong reminder: never leave children or pets in a car. Even on a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can climb to more than 100 degrees within 30 minutes. Always check twice to ensure a vehicle is empty.
The Office of Preparedness and Response maintains an Extreme Heat webpage with detailed information on heat-related illnesses and safety tips. The dashboard provides weekly data on emergency department and urgent care visits, EMS calls and weather-related deaths, helping state and local agencies allocate resources and support at-risk communities.
Older adults, especially those 65 and older, and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes face heightened risk during extreme heat. The department urges neighbors, family members and friends to check on vulnerable individuals, particularly those living alone or without air conditioning.
This early-season fatality underscores the importance of heat preparedness even before official summer arrives. Maryland’s new Weather-Related Illness Data Dashboard, launched earlier this year, aims to provide faster insights for public health responses during both heat and cold seasons.
No additional details about the deceased or circumstances of the death were released to protect privacy. The department continues to monitor heat-related incidents statewide.
