Over 100 Daily Heat Illness Patients in August Amid Heatwave... Total 1,719 Cases

As the heatwave exceeding 35 degrees continues day after day, on the afternoon of the 4th, a notice stating that train operations may be delayed due to the heatwave was posted in the Seoul Station waiting room. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

As the heatwave continues, nearly 100 patients visited emergency rooms over the weekend due to heat-related illnesses.

According to the heat-related illness surveillance system operation results announced by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 6th, 96 patients with heat-related illnesses were admitted to emergency rooms at 504 medical institutions nationwide on the 5th. One death suspected to be caused by a heat-related illness occurred in Andong, Gyeongbuk.

Since the start of heat-related illness surveillance on May 20 this year, the cumulative number of heat-related illness patients is 1,719, with an estimated 21 deaths. Compared to the same period last year, the number of heat-related illness patients increased by 45.3% (536 people), approximately 1.5 times higher, and the estimated deaths increased 3.5 times from 6 to 21. The total number of heat-related illness cases (1,564) and deaths (9) from last year have already been surpassed.

According to KDCA statistics, the daily average number of heat-related illness patients exceeded 100 over the past five days this month, with deaths occurring daily as well. The surveillance system will operate until September 30.

The KDCA stated, "Due to the heatwave following the end of the monsoon season, the number of daily deaths is occurring early and in large numbers," urging particular caution for vulnerable groups such as the elderly who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

As of the 5th, among the cumulative heat-related illness patients, 511 (29.7%) were elderly aged 65 or older. By time and location of occurrence, 17.9% occurred between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and 31.7% occurred at outdoor workplaces, the highest proportions.

The heat-related illness patients and deaths compiled by the KDCA include cases diagnosed by doctors in emergency rooms nationwide. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) also cites these statistics in their heatwave response. Although the fire authorities also compile data on heat-related illness patients and deaths, their figures are based on paramedics' on-site assessments such as body temperature, which may differ from doctors' diagnoses.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.