72 people suffer heat-related illness at ‘Tacos and Tequila’ festival, some hospitalized, officials say

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Gray News) - Officials say 72 people suffered heat-related illness and seven were hospitalized at a festival in Colorado.

A heat advisory was in effect during the Tacos and Tequilas Festival, which was held at UCHealth Park in Colorado Springs beginning at 1:30 p.m.

The high reached 97 degrees. Colorado Springs firefighters said 72 patients were treated, with seven taken to hospitals for serious symptoms of dehydration and intoxication, according to a press release.

The fire department advised the public to watch for the following signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke if spending time outdoors.

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Headache

Signs of heat stroke:

• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Nausea
• Rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Move the person to a cooler location and begin cooling them while waiting for emergency assistance to arrive.