Maryland reports 12 cold-related deaths so far this winter

BALTIMORE -- Twelve people have died due to cold-related illnesses this winter, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

Three of the deaths occurred in Baltimore City, and two happened in Baltimore County. Of the 12 deaths, one was in the 18-44 age group, three were in the 45-64 age group, and eight were individuals 65 or older. 

Doctors say confusion, lightheadedness, or extreme shivering are symptoms of hypothermia.

"If you start to have pain, you start to have tingling, you notice your fingers are all red, that's time to get inside," said Dr. Clifford Mitchell, with the Maryland Department of Health. 

Data from the MDH shows 24 emergency department and urgent care visits in the region, (Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, Howard counties), between December 29, 2024, and January 4, 2025.

On Monday, Baltimore City extended a Code Blue Alert through Saturday, January 11, as Maryland navigated a winter storm that brought several inches of snow to the area. The alert was issued due to hazardous conditions created by the storm, and wind chills expected to drop into the single digits. 

"If you're out in the cold, in particularly the wind, remember that the apparent temperature where you're in the wind is not just the cold temperature itself, but it's also the effect of the wind on your extremities," Mitchell said. 

Maryland residents who need warming centers should contact their local health department, or call 2-1-1 and provide their county location and ZIP code to get information about locations, hours of operation, and available accommodations. 

There are warming centers located in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County.