Cumulative Heat-Related Illness Cases Reach 3,815 This Year... Highest in Seven Years

KDCA Reports Highest Number of Cases Since 2018's Record Heatwave
Number of Heat-Related Illnesses Increases by 51 for Every 1°C Rise Above 33.3°C

The cumulative number of heat-related illness cases this year has already surpassed the total number of patients from last year, making it the second highest after 2018, which was known as the year of the 'worst heatwave' in history. Analysis also showed that for every 1-degree Celsius increase above a daily maximum temperature of 33.3 degrees, the number of heat-related illness cases rises by 51.

Children cooling off from the heat at an urban water playground in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yongjun

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on August 22, an analysis of the "Emergency Room Surveillance System for Heat-Related Illnesses," which is operated at around 500 emergency medical institutions nationwide, found that from May 15 to the previous day, a total of 3,815 people visited emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including 23 deaths.

This is 1.26 times higher than the 3,004 heat-related illness cases recorded during the same period last year. The total number of cases from May 20 to September 30 last year was 3,704.

Looking at historical records, this is the second highest number since the surveillance system was established, following 4,393 cases during the same period in 2018, which saw the most severe heatwave. The total number of heat-related illness cases from May 20 to September 30, 2018, when the surveillance system was in operation, was 4,526.

This year, with the heatwave intensifying from late June, the number of heat-related illness cases surpassed 1,000 as early as July 8, the earliest since the surveillance system began.

An analysis by the KDCA of 11 years of emergency room surveillance data on heat-related illnesses and daily maximum temperatures from 2015 to this year showed that the incidence of heat-related illnesses varies by temperature range as the temperature rises.

For every 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the number of heat-related illness cases increased by about 7.4 in the 27.7 to 31-degree range, and by about 22 in the 31.1 to 33.2-degree range. Notably, when the daily maximum temperature exceeds 33.3 degrees, the number of cases rises sharply by about 51 for every 1-degree increase.

Given that the number of heat-related illness cases can surge when the daily maximum temperature exceeds 33.3 degrees, the KDCA advised that people must follow health guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as staying hydrated and avoiding outdoor activities when a heatwave is forecast.

Heat-related illness is an acute condition caused by heat, and symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness can occur when exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. If symptoms like headache or dizziness develop in a hot environment, it is important to drink water quickly and rest in a cool, shaded area. If symptoms do not improve or consciousness is lost, immediate medical attention should be sought with the help of others.

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "Since late June, the early and prolonged occurrence of high-temperature conditions has led to a significant increase in the number of heat-related illness cases compared to previous years," and emphasized, "As the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts daytime temperatures of 30 to 34 degrees Celsius through the end of August, it is essential to continue adhering to health guidelines to prevent heat-related illnesses."

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