Researchers analyzed health records for 3.7 million Kaiser Permanente members who lived in the region. They compared care in the week after the fires that began on January 7 with expected levels based on the prior three years. High exposure meant living within about 12 miles (20 kilometers) of a burn zone; moderate exposure meant living in Los Angeles County but farther than 12 miles.
Findings showed more virtual visits, especially for respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms. Respiratory virtual visits were 42% higher than expected. Cardiovascular virtual visits rose 44% near burn zones and 40% across Los Angeles County. The study also found more in-person outpatient visits for respiratory problems and increases in injury and neuropsychiatric visits.
Difficult words
- evacuation — leave a place for safety or protection.evacuations
- affect — to have an influence on something.affected
- increase — to make something larger in amount.increases
- virtual — existing online, not in real life.
- emergency — a serious situation needing quick action.emergencies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think people prefer virtual health care during emergencies?
- How can cities better prepare for wildfires in the future?
- What were some challenges people might face during evacuations?
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