Heat wave epidemic in France, 22 die

The head of France's Health Surveillance Institute, Gilles Brucker, told Le Parisien newspaper that the situation was not comparable with the deadly summer of 2003, when 15,000 people died from a heat wave, many of them elderly people left alone while families vacationed.

"However, the current situation is rather serious," he said.

"Despite prevention measures, too many people are taking risks," he said. "But the heat wave epidemic is already killing people, it's already a reality for 22 people."

In a visit to central France, Health Minister Xavier Bertrand urged people to reach out to at-risk neighbors. He also asked surgeons and some other doctors who are planning to strike Monday to reconsider because of the heat.

"I need them in the operating rooms," he said. "I am ready to meet them, to talk with them."