Preparing for the Upcoming Winter Cold Wave... Launching Real-Time Surveillance of Cold-Related Illnesses

90% of Cases Are Hypothermia Patients... Elderly and Outdoor Workers at Higher Risk
Jeonnam Province to Collaborate with 45 Emergency Medical Institutions Starting Next Month
Enhanced Management for Emergency Prevention and Rapid Response

Healthy Winter Survival Guide Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province will operate a "Cold-Related Illness Emergency Room Surveillance System" from December 1 until the end of February next year to reduce health risks caused by winter cold waves. As sudden temperature drops are becoming more frequent due to changing winter weather patterns, protecting vulnerable groups has become even more important. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 45 local emergency medical institutions, and city and county public health centers will participate together in this initiative.

According to Jeonnam Province on the 29th, 21 cases of cold-related illnesses were identified in the region through last year's surveillance system, with 19 of these being hypothermia patients. Most cases occurred in the early morning hours, and two-thirds of the patients were aged 65 or older. The majority of incidents took place outdoors, highlighting the vulnerability of rural areas and outdoor work environments.

This year's cold-related illness surveillance system will monitor patient information in emergency rooms in real time to identify patterns and characteristics of occurrences, and promptly share this information with local governments and medical institutions. Jeonnam Province emphasized that rapid response is crucial, as delayed treatment of conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite can be life-threatening.

In particular, climate-vulnerable groups such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and the homeless are more easily exposed to cold waves.

Older adults and children have relatively weaker abilities to maintain body temperature, and those with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases may experience worsening symptoms due to sudden temperature changes, making winter health management essential.

Jeonnam Province plans to continue promoting basic winter safety guidelines, such as checking the temperature before going out, minimizing outdoor activities during cold wave advisories, wearing multiple layers of clothing, and using gloves, scarves, hats, and masks. Residents are also advised to maintain appropriate indoor temperature and humidity, engage in light exercise, and ensure adequate hydration.

Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, stated, "Basic preventive measures can significantly reduce actual risks. Community care that pays attention to vulnerable people around us, such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, is important. If symptoms appear, do not delay and visit a medical institution immediately."