Busan City Operates '2023-2024 Seasonal Cold-Related Illness Emergency Room Surveillance System'

December 1 to February 29 Next Year, Daily Surveillance Status and Information on Cold-Related Illness Occurrences

Daily Status Collected During Surveillance System Operation Period to Be Provided Daily via Disease Control Agency Website

Busan City will operate the ‘Cold-related Illness Emergency Room Surveillance System’ from December 1st this year to February 29th next year to minimize damage caused by cold waves during the winter season.

Cold Wave Preparedness Health Guidelines.

A ‘cold wave’ refers to a phenomenon where winter temperatures drop sharply, and ‘cold-related illnesses’ refer to health abnormalities caused by such sudden temperature drops.

Cold-related illnesses are diseases caused directly by cold that harm the human body, and since they are preventable, it is important to familiarize yourself with prevention and response methods in advance.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s surveillance system operation results for the 2022-2023 season, a total of 447 cases (12 deaths) of cold-related illnesses were reported, which is a 49% increase compared to the 2021-2022 season.

In Busan City during the 2022-2023 season, 12 cases (0 deaths) of cold-related illnesses were reported, marking a 50% increase compared to the 8 cases reported in the 2021-2022 season.

A total of 35 medical institutions will participate in operating the cold-related illness emergency room surveillance system this year, monitoring the occurrence of cold-related illnesses daily and providing status information.

Compared to the previous season’s operation of the cold-related illness emergency room surveillance system, one more medical institution has joined, so the surveillance system is expected to operate more thoroughly than last year.

The daily status collected during the surveillance system operation period will be provided daily through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s website.

Additionally, a pilot operation of the surveillance system will be conducted from the 24th to the 30th, prior to the official operation period.

Lee Sora, Director of the Citizen Health Bureau of Busan City, stated, “Since severe cold is expected this winter as well, we plan to strengthen the cold wave surveillance system more than last year.” She added, “We ask all citizens to be especially cautious about cold-related illnesses, avoid outdoor activities as much as possible during cold waves, and check the weather before going out.”