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First Cold-Related Death Reported In Baltimore For 2019-2020 Season

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Winter is still more than a week away, but the Maryland Department of Health reported the first cold-related death of the season on Wednesday.

The victim was a man between ages 45 and 64 in Baltimore.

"For privacy purposes, I can't go into a lot of detail but what I can say is the person (as) you might expect person had some other medical condition," said Dr. Cliff Mitchell with the Maryland Department of Health.

Typically, those with pre-existing medical conditions, seniors and young people are more at risk for being affected by freezing temperatures.

Last winter, 54 people died statewide due to the cold.

To keep yourself from getting sick from the cold, officials recommend wearing layers, staying inside as much as possible and making sure you're completely covered before going out.

"As temperatures continue to drop, Marylanders are urged to take every precaution to help prevent cold-related illnesses," said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Fran Phillips. "Take care to limit your exposure to the cold. Wear layers if you go outside and contact your local health department if you need access to a warming center in your area."

LIST | Warming Centers Open In Baltimore Area

Cold-related illnesses include hypothermia and frostbite.

To avoid a cold-related illness, the MDH says to avoid exposure to cold weather by limiting time outside, wearing several layers of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

They also advise keeping your toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose covered.

Marylanders in need of warming centers should reach out to their local health department or call 211 and give their county location and ZIP code to get information about locations.

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