24 Cases of Heat-Related Illnesses in Jeonnam Province This Year
Guidance on Daily Safety Precautions and Protection for the Elderly
Promotional material for healthy summer living produced by Jeonnam Province. Provided by Jeonnam Province
Jeonnam Province has urged residents to take special precautions against heat-related illnesses that may threaten public health due to the ongoing heat wave, and is actively promoting daily preventive measures such as drinking water frequently.
According to Jeonnam Province on July 1, the number of days with temperatures exceeding 33 degrees Celsius has been increasing recently, raising concerns about the occurrence of heat illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. In particular, elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, and children are especially vulnerable due to their relatively weaker ability to regulate body temperature, and therefore require extra caution.
Jeonnam Province is operating an emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses in cooperation with 22 city and county health centers and 45 emergency medical institutions until September 30. The province is strengthening publicity efforts to help residents easily understand and practice preventive measures through card news, broadcast subtitles, and promotional materials.
Over the past three years, there have been a total of 753 cases of heat-related illnesses in Jeonnam Province: 124 cases in 2022 (out of 1,564 nationwide), 222 cases in 2023 (out of 2,818 nationwide), and 407 cases in 2024 (out of 3,704 nationwide), showing an increasing trend as average temperatures rise.
As of June 30 this year, there have been a total of 24 reported cases of heat-related illnesses in Jeonnam Province (out of 420 nationwide, with 3 deaths). Of these, 19 cases (79%) occurred outdoors. In particular, 7 cases (29%) occurred in rice fields, 6 cases (25%) at outdoor worksites, and 4 cases (17%) in sports fields, indicating the need for special caution during outdoor activities.
Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include dizziness, headache, nausea, and decreased consciousness. If these symptoms occur, the person should be moved to a cool place, clothing should be loosened, water should be given, or emergency services should be called immediately at 119 to receive first aid.
Jung Gwangsun, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, said, "During the peak of the heat wave in the summer, anyone can be exposed to heat-related illnesses, so I hope all residents will thoroughly follow preventive measures to ensure a safe summer," adding, "We will do our best to protect public health by strengthening the heat wave response system in cooperation with city and county governments."
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