"Working Outside in the Scorching Sun is Dangerous"... 5 Heatstroke Deaths Reported Only on Weekends

Suspected Symptoms of Heatstroke, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Cramps Common
14 Deaths Due to Heatwave This Year
Rest in Cool Places and Consume Electrolyte Drinks Recommended

In August, five people lost their lives over the weekend due to the ongoing scorching heatwave. The total number of deaths caused by heatwaves this year has risen to 14.

According to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency's heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system on the 5th, five suspected deaths from heat-related illnesses were recorded over the past weekend. On the afternoon of the 3rd, an elderly woman in her 80s working in a field near an apartment complex in Geumho-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital but eventually passed away. At the time of discovery, her body temperature was measured at 42 degrees Celsius. On the same day, a woman in her 50s and another in her 70s died in a field and by the roadside in Changwon City and Changnyeong County, Gyeongnam Province, respectively, with the cause of death suspected to be heatstroke, a type of heat-related illness.

As the nationwide heatwave reached its peak, the heatwave crisis alert level was raised to the 'Severe' stage. On the 1st, citizens visiting Yeouido Park in Seoul cooled off by standing under cooling fog (mist-type cooling water). Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

On Sunday the 4th, a person in their 90s working in a field in Byeollyang-myeon, Suncheon City, Jeonnam Province collapsed and died from heatstroke, and on the same day, another elderly person in their 90s in Jorye-dong, Suncheon City showed symptoms of heat cramps and was transported to a hospital but died. Additionally, on the 2nd, one more suspected death from heat-related illness was confirmed in Miryang, Gyeongnam Province.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness, which can become life-threatening if left untreated. On the weekend of the 3rd and 4th, there were 177 and 112 heat-related illness patients, respectively. The cumulative number of heat-related illness patients this year is 1,690, which is 44 more than the same period last year.

Of the cumulative heat-related illness patients, 28.3% (478 people) occurred at outdoor workplaces, 16.4% in fields, and 9.5% by the roadside, with a total of 79.6% occurring outdoors. However, cases occurring indoors, such as at home, indoor workplaces, and buildings, accounted for 20.4% of the total, so it is necessary to drink water frequently and take regular breaks even indoors.

Among heat-related illness patients, 'heat exhaustion,' also known as sunstroke, accounted for the largest proportion at 53.8%. Heat exhaustion can occur when excessive sweating leads to inadequate supply of fluids and salts. Symptoms include pale skin, weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. When experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, one should rest in a cool place and consume electrolyte drinks. If symptoms persist for more than an hour or do not improve, medical attention should be sought.