Chungnam Province Operates Emergency Room Surveillance System Until September Due to Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses

Steady Increase with 135 People in 2022 and 205 People in 2023

As higher-than-average temperatures are forecasted for this summer, Chungnam Province has urged caution against heat-related illnesses.

According to the province on the 28th, the number of heat-related illness cases in the province has steadily increased over the past three years, with more than ten days of heatwave on average: 83 cases in 2021, 135 cases in 2022, and 205 cases in 2023.

In particular, last year's record-breaking prolonged heat resulted in the highest number of heat-related illness cases since 2018.

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted a 50% chance that temperatures in June and August this year will be higher than average, and a 40% chance that July temperatures will be similar to or higher than average.

Accordingly, the province will operate a heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system until September 30. Twenty emergency room facilities in the province will monitor heat-related damage and the occurrence of heat-related illness cases in real time.

They have also established an emergency contact network with city and county public health centers to immediately report any deaths and conduct epidemiological investigations through organic cooperation.

To prevent heat-related damage, people should practice the following: drink water regularly even if not feeling thirsty; wear loose, light-colored, and lightweight clothing; avoid outdoor work and exercise during the hottest hours of the day (12 PM to 5 PM) and stay in cool places; and wear a hat or use an umbrella to block sunlight when going outside.

A provincial official said, "In response to the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast that this summer will be hotter than usual, we need to be more prepared for heat-related illnesses," adding, "The province will focus on promoting heatwave prevention for vulnerable groups."

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