Objectives To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of heatstroke in Nantong in 2016 to 2017 and to provide a reference for control prevention and measures such disease.

Method The reported data on the heatstroke in Nantong in 2016 to 2017 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the data were summarized and analyzed by SPSS 20.0.

Results A total of 145 heatstroke cases were reported in Nantong in 2016 to 2017, among which 78 cases (53.79%) were mild heatstroke and 67 cases (46.21%) were severe heatstroke.Four in 145 cases (2.76%) were died of severe heatstroke; three of them were farmers (working outdoors) and one was a 99 year-old elderly living at home.There were 73 (50.34%) male heatstroke cases, and 35 (47.95%) of them were suffered from severe heatstroke. There were 72 (49.66%) female heatstroke cases, and 32 (44.44%) of them were suffered from severe heatstroke. No significant difference was observed between male and female (χ²=0.179, P=0.672).The mean age of heatstroke cases was 68.25±18.08 years, which were 67.01±16.77 in male and 69.50±19.34 in female; no significant difference was observed between the male and female (t=-0.827, P=0.409).Most of heatstroke cases were in their seventies or eighties (49.66%); in 80~year-old group, 27.40% (20/73) of males and 25.0% (18/72) of females experienced heatstroke. The severity of heatstroke was different significantly (P < 0.05) between male and female in their forties.Most of heatstroke cases occurred in July to August (97.93%, 142/145), particularly in July (82.76%, 120/145).

Conclusions Heatstroke is usually occurred in July in Nantong, and mild heatstroke is slightly higher than severe heatstroke. Gender has little to do with heatstroke. The elders in their eighties are susceptible to heatstroke. Warning the risk of heatstroke and emergency treatment of severe heatstroke for old people should be strengthened.