Italian hospitals report sharp rise in emergency cases as Rome hits 41.8C

Capital breaks its temperature record and a Naples A&E has its busiest day since height of Covid

Hospitals across Italy have seen a sharp rise in the number of people seeking emergency care for heat-related illnesses as a heatwave continues to grip the country, with temperatures in Rome setting a new record.

Some hospitals reported a 20-25% increase in the numbers arriving at emergency units suffering from dehydration or other illnesses caused by over-exposure to the heat.