Jeollanam-do Reports 322 Heat-Related Illnesses... "Refrain from Outdoor Work"

Special Caution Urged for Agricultural Workers, Seniors, and Other Vulnerable Groups During Daytime Hours

As of August 25 this year, Jeollanam-do reported 322 cases of heat-related illnesses, with 2 fatalities. The provincial government emphasized the need to follow safety guidelines, such as refraining from outdoor work during the hottest hours of the day.

This figure is based on an analysis of the emergency room surveillance system for heat-related illnesses, which has been in operation since May. It represents a decrease of 18 cases compared to the same period last year, when there were 340 cases and 3 deaths.

This contrasts with the nationwide data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, which shows a total of 3,815 heat-related illness cases nationwide-1.26 times higher than last year.

Nationally, the number of cases increased by an average of 22 for every 1-degree Celsius rise in daily maximum temperatures between 31.1 and 33.2 degrees, and by 51 for every 1-degree increase above 33.3 degrees.

This demonstrates that the risk to health rises sharply at certain high-temperature thresholds.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, Jeollanam-do has been operating its emergency room surveillance system from May 15-five days earlier than last year-through September 30. The province is monitoring case occurrences in real time through public health centers and emergency medical institutions.

In Jeollanam-do, 31.7% (102 cases) of patients were aged 65 or older. Most cases occurred between noon and 5 p.m., and the majority of incidents took place in locations with direct sun exposure, such as outdoor worksites (129 cases, 40.1%) and farmland (66 cases, 20.5%).

This once again confirms that agricultural workers and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare for Jeollanam-do, stressed, "To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is essential to avoid going out and working outdoors during the hottest hours, drink water frequently, and rest in cool, shaded areas." He added, "Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses require special attention from family members and neighbors. We ask everyone to work together to ensure a healthy and safe summer for all residents."