![items.[0].image.alt](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4406f46/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F7d%2F33%2Ff66012664866a7fec9762c4fad96%2Fcorp-digital-default-image-1280x720-wmar.png)
A man's passing in Prince George's County this week marks Maryland's first heat-related death of 2018, the Maryland Department of Health announced Wednesday.
The man was between the age of 18 and 44.
In 2017, the state experienced five heat-related deaths during the year's heat monitoring period, which runs from May until September.
“Extreme heat can raise the body’s temperature, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Maryland Department of Health Deputy Secretary for Public Health, Howard Haft, MD said in a statement. “Stay in the air conditioning whenever possible, drink lots of water, and don’t forget sunscreen.”
Weekly reports about heat-related deaths, as well as the state's Heat Emergency Plan and important information about heat-related illness and how to stay safe in the heat can be found on the Health Department's website.
Residents in need of assistance dealing with heat-related issues, or who would like to find their nearest cooling center, can call 2-1-1.
