Which heat-related illness is characterized by a core body temperature of at least 104.9F and acute mental status changes?

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening heat-related illness that typically arises when the body’s temperature regulation fails, leading to an extremely elevated core body temperature, often reaching at least 104.9°F. This condition is not only marked by hyperthermia but also by acute mental status changes, which can include confusion, agitation, or loss of consciousness. These symptoms result from the effect of extreme heat on the brain and nervous system.

Recognizing heat stroke is crucial, as it requires immediate medical intervention to prevent serious complications or death. The presence of elevated temperature alongside neurological symptoms differentiates it from other heat-related conditions that do not present with the same severity of altered mental status or temperature elevation.