Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses Amid Scorching Weather... Cumulative Cases Reach 263

As the hot and humid summer weather begins in earnest, cases of heat-related illnesses continue to occur. This year, 263 people have suffered from heat-related illnesses nationwide, and among them, two are presumed to have lost their lives.

According to the results of the heat-related illness surveillance system reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on June 23, 11 patients with heat-related illnesses visited 517 emergency medical institutions nationwide over the past weekend (June 21-22).

Yonhap News

Since the KDCA began monitoring heat-related illnesses on May 15 this year, the cumulative number of patients has increased to 263.

In particular, a large number of heat-related illnesses occurred in the middle of last week. On June 18, when daytime high temperatures soared to around 30 degrees Celsius, 25 cases were reported. On June 19, when the early monsoon season began, 22 cases were reported. On June 18, Busan reported the first presumed heat-related death of the year. The following day, June 19, a presumed death was reported in Seoul.

During the summer, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses accompanied by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and impaired consciousness. In particular, people with chronic diseases such as hypertension, the elderly, and children?those considered vulnerable to health risks?should exercise caution, as these conditions can be fatal.

Last year, a total of 34 deaths were reported to the heat-related illness surveillance system. This was the second highest number since the KDCA began monitoring in 2011. The presumed cause of death in most cases (32 people, 94.1%) was heatstroke.

Heatstroke occurs when the nervous system that regulates body temperature fails to withstand external heat stress and loses its function. Major symptoms include impaired consciousness, dry and hot skin with a body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, severe headache, chills, tachycardia, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, nausea, and dizziness. If a case of heatstroke occurs, you should call emergency services (119) and move the patient to a cool place.