Sharp Rise in 'Heat-Related Illnesses' Due to Early Heat Wave... Up 20% from Last Year

470 People Visited Emergency Rooms in a Month and a Half Since May 15

As the heat wave continues day after day, the number of patients with heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke has increased by nearly 20% compared to a year ago.

On the 9th of last month, when daytime temperatures approached 30 degrees Celsius, citizens and tourists were walking on the heated plaza at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on July 2, a total of 470 people visited approximately 500 emergency rooms nationwide for heat-related illnesses between May 15 and June 30. During the same period, there were three suspected deaths due to heat-related illnesses.

This year, the surveillance system for heat-related illnesses was activated earlier than usual. If we look only at the numbers from May 20, 2024, the start date of last year's surveillance, to the end of June, there were 454 cases, which is 19.2% (73 cases) higher than the 381 cases recorded during the same period last year.

In particular, as the heat wave continued with daytime or daily average temperatures across the country repeatedly breaking all-time June records between June 28 and 30, the number of patients with heat-related illnesses also increased.

During this period alone, 147 people visited emergency rooms due to heat-related illnesses, and on June 30 alone, 45 people sought emergency treatment.

Of the 470 patients so far, 76.8% were male, and those aged 65 or older accounted for 31.1% of the total. By age group, those in their 60s made up the largest proportion at 18.3%, followed by those in their 50s (16.0%), 40s (14.3%), and 30s (13.8%).

In addition, more than half of the patients showed symptoms of heat exhaustion (51.9%), followed by heat stroke (20.9%), heat cramps (13.4%), and heat syncope (12.8%).

Regarding the location of occurrence, 24.7% of cases occurred at workplaces, 17.9% on roadsides, and 17.4% in fields or paddies, meaning that 85.5% of cases occurred outdoors. The most common time of occurrence was between 4 and 5 p.m., accounting for 13.2% of cases.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat, and commonly present with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and fatigue. Experts advise that when temperatures are high, people should refrain from outdoor activities and drink water to ensure adequate hydration.