Heat a factor in 7 Chicago-area deaths

This week’s extreme heat has claimed at least seven people across the Chicago area.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office listed “heat stress” or “heat stroke” as the causes of death for seven people Friday.

They range in age from 47 to 93.

One man was found unresponsive Thursday in his Chicago home, and officials say the temperature in his residence was over 90 degrees.

The medical examiner’s office says 18-year-old Cesar Rodriguez collapsed while outside in the heat and later died at a hospital. His autopsy hasn’t yet been conducted.

The Chicago area developed a heat response plan that includes more cooling centers and well-being checks to the elderly after more than 700 people died during a 1995 heat wave.