Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Reports 238 Emergency Room Visits in a Single Day on July 8
2.5 Times Higher Than Last Year... Fastest Increase Since 2011
As the heat wave continues for several consecutive days and the number of heat-related illness cases rises rapidly, the government has urged special caution for vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers and the elderly.
On the 8th, heat wave warnings were in effect as heat haze rose on Yeouidaero in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on July 10, the cumulative number of heat-related illness patients who visited emergency rooms since the heat-related illness surveillance system was activated on May 15 has reached a total of 1,228 as of July 8.
This is the earliest time that the number of patients has exceeded 1,000 since the emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illness began operating in 2011. Of these, eight people have died. Compared to the same period last year, the number of patients has increased by about 2.5 times, and the number of deaths has increased by 2.7 times.
The number of heat-related illness cases has been increasing rapidly since June 28, as the nationwide average maximum temperature has remained above 31 degrees Celsius. On July 8 alone, 238 people visited emergency rooms due to heat-related illness. This is the first time in about seven years that the number of daily heat-related illness patients has exceeded 200, the last occurrence being on August 3, 2018.
This year, most cases of heat-related illness occurred outdoors (81.1%). In particular, many cases were reported during outdoor activities at workplaces (28.7%), in rice fields and farmland (14.4%), and on roadsides (13.9%). By age, those in their 50s or older accounted for 61.1%, and those aged 65 or older made up 33.6%.
The agency emphasized, "It is important for farmers and outdoor workers to avoid prolonged activity in high-temperature environments, drink plenty of water, and take sufficient breaks," adding, "During tropical nights, it is necessary to create an environment conducive to restful sleep, such as managing indoor temperature and humidity and taking a shower before bed."
Heat-related illness is an acute condition caused by exposure to heat, with heatstroke and heat exhaustion being the most representative types. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and decreased consciousness. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.
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