Update: Lightning strike injuries, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2008-2017

Abstract

During 2008-2017, a total of 241 service members had incident lightning-related medical encounters with ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes that documented specific lightning-associated injuries or illnesses. The crude overall incidence rate of lightning strike injury during the surveillance period was 1.9 cases per 100,000 person-years. Compared to their respective counterparts, overall rates of lightning strike injury were higher among males, those aged 20-29 years, non-Hispanic whites, Army members, enlisted service members, those in combat-specific occupations, and those stationed in the Southern region of the U.S. During the surveillance period, there was a peak in incidence of lightning strike injury during 2015, as well as two smaller peaks in 2011 and 2013. "Disturbance of skin sensation," headache, limb pain, and burns were the four most frequent diagnoses during medical encounters for incident lightning strike injuries. The largest numbers of incident lightning strike injuries occurred in June, July, August, and September. Service members who routinely train and work outdoors should be vigilant about the dangers of lightning, especially in field settings during summer months.