• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Newsroom

    ​

    December 9, 2020

    Media Contact:

    Deidre McCabe, Director, Office of Communications, 410-767-3536

    Charlie Gischlar, Deputy Director, Media Relations, 443-463-7234 

     

    Maryland Department of Health reports first cold-related illness death of the 2020-2021 winter weather season

     

    Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today reported the first cold-related illness death in Maryland for the 2020-2021 winter weather season. The deceased individual is an adult female in the 60-70 age range. The death occurred in Baltimore City.

     

    “As temperatures continue to drop, Marylanders are urged to stay vigilant and to take precautions to limit their exposure to cold,” said MDH Acting Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “Wear multiple layers if you go outside; if you need access to a shelter or warming center in your area, please contact your local health department.”

     

    From November through March, MDH’s Office of Preparedness and Response (OPR) monitors temperature, weather conditions and incidence of cold-related illnesses and deaths in the state. During the 2019-2020 winter weather season, MDH reported 50 cold-related deaths.

     

    Cold-related illness includes conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite is the freezing and subsequent destruction of body tissue that may occur when skin temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Body parts that are most likely to freeze include toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose.

     

    To prevent the onset of cold-related illness, individuals should curb their exposure to cold weather, both by limiting time outside and by wearing several layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Insulate toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose, as they are especially vulnerable to frostbite. Marylanders are reminded to take extra precautions when congregating indoors with people outside of your immediate household—avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, watch your distance and wash your hands to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

     

    Marylanders in need of warming centers are encouraged to reach out to their local health department or to call 2-1-1 and provide their county location and ZIP code to get information about warming center locations, hours of operation and available accommodations.  

     

    Marylanders should also use caution while using various heat sources to stay warm. Some heating sources can cause fires, electrical injuries, burns or carbon monoxide poisoning if not installed, operated and maintained properly. Check heat sources to ensure they are safe prior to use, install carbon monoxide detectors and never use an oven as a heat source for the home.

     

    More resources to help stay safe in cold weather — including cold-related illness surveillance reports, information about how to prevent cold-related illnesses, how to safely heat your home and how to drive safely in winter weather — are available via the OPR’s Extreme Cold website:

    https://preparedness.health.maryland.gov/Pages/resources_cold.aspx.

     

    ###

     

    The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.

     

    Follow us on Twitter @MDHealthDept and at Facebook.com/MDHealthDept.​