Recorded presentation

Nelson Adekoya, DrPH, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE, MS-K74, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-8406, nba7@cdc.gov and Kurt Nolte, MD, Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131.

Objective: To examine the epidemiological characteristics of struck-by-lightning deaths. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted by using data from both the National Centers for Health Statistics (NCHS) multiple cause-of-death tapes and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), which is maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Annualized rates of lightning deaths were calculated by using U.S. resident estimates from population microdata files maintained by the Bureau of Census. Work-related fatality rates were calculated by using denominators derived from the Current Population Survey of employment data. Results: A total of 374 struck-by-lightning deaths occurred during 1995-2000 (average annualized rate of 0.23 deaths/million persons). The majority of deaths (286 deaths, 75%) were from the South and the Midwest. Number of lightning deaths was highest in Florida (49 deaths) and Texas (32 deaths). A total of 129 work-related deaths occurred during 1995-2002 (average annual rate of 0.12 deaths/million workers). Agriculture and construction industries recorded the most fatalities at 44 and 39 deaths, respectively. Fatal occupational injuries resulting from being struck by lightning were highest in Florida (21 deaths) and Texas (11 deaths). In the two national surveillance systems examined, incidence rates were higher for males and persons aged 20-44 years. Conclusions: Three of every four struck-by-lightning deaths are from the South and the Midwest, and one of every four struck-by-lightning deaths is work-related. Interventions might be most effective if directed to regions with the most fatalities because they have the most lightning strikes per year.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the trends of struck-by-lightning deaths in the United States
• Describe work-related struck-by-lightning deaths in the United States
• Identify regions and states with the highest number and rates of struck-by-lightning deaths in the United States

Keywords: Injury Prevention,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation