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10th Cold Weather-Related Death Reported In Maryland During 2019-2020 Season

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A tenth person has died due to cold weather in Maryland during the 2019-2020 reporting period, the latest report from the state's health department shows.

The latest death was a man between the ages of 45 and 64 in Baltimore.

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All ten victims were men 45 years old or older; four were suspected or presumed to be homeless. The deaths reportedly occurred in December and January.

In total, 51 people died from the cold during the 2018-2019 reporting period, the health department said.

Doctors warn people to bundle up or stay inside when cold spells hit the area.

"You can get hypothermia, which is when your body drops below 95 degrees. You can start getting confused, acting differently than normal," said Dr. Katia Alexander, an emergency room physician with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital.

When the dangerous cold hits, Alexander said doctors can see a number of patients with hypothermia or frostbite, with the elderly, babies and people working outside being the most vulnerable.

"Pay attention, if you're shivering and cold and you aren't feeling right then probably get inside and get warm," she said.

The latest dip in temperatures prompted Baltimore's health department to extend a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Tuesday morning.

The cold came as an unwanted shock to some residents.

"Because of all the nice weather we were having and then it just completely did a complete u-turn so (I) wasn't expecting it," said Heather Hepping.

Another resident said she hopes it stays.

"I actually like the cold so I'm enjoying this," said Sara Hardison.

Stay up-to-date with the latest forecast by downloading the WJZ weather app.

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