Four Times Increase Already Compared to Previous Years Due to Early Heatwave... 'Heat-Related Illness' Warning Issued

653 Cases as of the 7th... 6 Estimated Deaths
Occurs Due to Prolonged Exposure to High Temperatures and Loss of Water and Salt
Reduce Daytime Activity and Drink 2 Liters of Water Daily

On the 6th, as the heatwave continues, citizens visiting Cheonggyecheon in Jongno-gu, Seoul are cooling off./Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] The number of heat-related illness patients has surged compared to previous years due to the early heatwave. Prolonged heatwaves can cause various illnesses such as heatstroke, heat syncope, and heat cramps, so special caution is required. It is important to remember that these conditions can have fatal effects on anyone, regardless of age or health status.

According to the heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system report from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 9th, a total of 653 heat-related illness cases occurred from May 20, when monitoring began, to the 7th of this month. This is nearly four times the 165 cases reported during the same period last year. There were also six estimated deaths due to heat-related illnesses. On a daily basis, the highest number of cases was recorded on the 2nd of this month with 115 patients, and 65 patients were reported on the 6th. By region, the numbers were as follows: Gyeonggi 141, Gyeongnam 66, Gyeongbuk 61, Chungnam 60, Jeonnam 53, and Seoul 52.

This year’s heatwave is expected to continue until August due to the influence of the North Pacific High. Consequently, the number of heat-related illness patients is bound to increase. With COVID-19 cases rising again to the 20,000 range and showing signs of resurgence, people are facing a 'double burden' of COVID-19 and heat-related illnesses. Vulnerable groups aged 50 and above, as well as those in their 20s to 40s who account for 35.5% of all heat-related illness patients, need to be cautious regardless of age.

Heat-related illnesses, as the name suggests, occur when the body is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. These illnesses range from mild conditions such as heat exhaustion (heat syncope), heat cramps, and heatstroke to severe cases. When the body is exposed to high temperatures, body temperature rises, triggering a series of processes from the brain to regulate temperature. The body increases blood flow to the skin surface to dissipate heat and produces sweat to lower body temperature. During this process, a large amount of water and salt is lost, and if this continues, symptoms such as dizziness and thirst occur, leading to heat-related illnesses.

Heat syncope occurs when blood volume on the skin surface increases to release heat, causing a decrease in deep blood volume and insufficient blood flow to the brain, resulting in temporary loss of consciousness. It mainly happens when standing up suddenly from a sitting or lying position or standing for a long time. Heat cramps occur when excessive loss of water and salt through sweating causes muscle cramps, typically during intense labor or exercise in hot environments. They commonly affect muscles in the calves, thighs, and shoulders.

Heatstroke is a condition where the nervous system that regulates body temperature (the thermoregulatory center) fails due to heat stress. Heatstroke can cause multiple organ damage and dysfunction, and it is the most severe stage among heat-related illnesses, potentially leading to death. It usually presents with high fever above 40 degrees Celsius, severe headache, chills, low blood pressure, and rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, consciousness impairment.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is advised to reduce activities during the hottest hours from 12 PM to 5 PM and increase fluid intake beyond usual amounts. Generally, drinking about 2 liters of water per day is recommended. When outdoor activities are unavoidable, it is better to wear loose shorts and hats rather than tight clothing like leggings.

Heo Inyoung, Director of the Emergency Medical Center at H Plus Yangji Hospital, emphasized, “Patients with chronic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as those with carotid and cerebral artery stenosis, are known to have a higher incidence of stroke in summer than in winter due to dehydration,” adding, “It is important to manage health carefully and prepare for heat-related illnesses.”