The number of heat-related deaths in Clark County in 2024 has reached 491, county officials said. The number might wind up being higher because it takes several months of investigation to determine if a death was caused by the heat, officials said.

The deaths represent a 58 percent increase from 2023’s count, according to Clark County coroner’s office data.

Clark County this year, with 90% of cases taking up to 90 days to investigate, and factors such as drug use, heart disease, physical exertion, inappropriate clothing, lack of acclimatization, and failure to drink enough fluids contributing to the deaths.