Record Heat Wave Pushes Heat-Related Illness Cases Near 1,000, 7 Deaths Reported

South Korea's record-breaking heat wave has pushed heat-related illness cases to nearly 1,000, with emergency room visits doubling compared to the same period last year, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on July 9th.

Surge in Heat-Related Illness Cases

According to the KDCA, 238 people (including 1 death) visited 516 emergency rooms nationwide on July 8th due to heat-related illnesses. This brings the cumulative total of heat-related illness patients to 977 since the KDCA activated its heat illness surveillance system on May 15th, approaching 1,000 cases.

Comparing data from the surveillance start date, 961 cases have been recorded this year versus 478 cases during the same period last year - a doubling of incidents. This surge results from the unprecedented heat wave that began in late June and continues to break records.

Heat-related deaths are estimated at 7 total, more than double the 3 deaths during the same period last year. While not yet included in statistics, additional deaths are expected, including a Vietnamese construction worker in his 20s who died at an apartment construction site in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province.

Analysis of Heat-Related Illness Characteristics

Among the 977 heat-related illness patients this year, men comprised 75.9%, overwhelmingly more than women. This reflects men's greater exposure to outdoor work. One in three (33.5%) emergency room patients were elderly people aged 65 and older.

By occupation, simple manual workers accounted for 21.2%, the highest proportion. By location, workplaces (25.9%), farms (16.3%), and roadsides (13.4%) were the most common sites for heat-related illnesses, demonstrating that outdoor manual workers are most vulnerable.

Among specific conditions, heat exhaustion comprised 56.1% of cases, followed by heat stroke (20.4%), heat cramps (12.8%), heat syncope (9.2%), and heat edema (0.2%).

Record-Breaking Heat Wave Status

This summer's heat wave intensity has reached unprecedented levels. Seoul's daytime temperature rose to 37.7°C on July 8th, setting a new record for early July since meteorological observations began. The current heat wave, which started in late June, is breaking records in both duration and intensity.

According to Korea Meteorological Administration data, heat-related illness patients totaled 875 as of July 7th, with 7 deaths. In Jeollanam-do Province alone, over 40,000 livestock including chickens, ducks, and pigs have died. Nationwide, approximately 10,000 pigs and 120,000 poultry have perished.

Tropical nights were observed nationwide on July 1st, with minimum temperatures of Gangneung 29.7°C, Pohang 27.4°C, Seogwipo 27.3°C, Ulleungdo 26.8°C, Cheongju and Uljin 26.3°C, Seoul 26.2°C, and most regions exceeding 25°C.

Dangers and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat exposure, with heat stroke and heat exhaustion being most common. Prolonged exposure to hot environments causes headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and altered consciousness. Without treatment, these conditions can be life-threatening.

Heat stroke is particularly dangerous, occurring when the body's temperature regulation center malfunctions, causing body temperature to rise above 40°C. It presents with consciousness disorders and central nervous system abnormalities, has high mortality rates, and requires immediate emergency treatment.

Heat exhaustion is less severe than heat stroke but results from excessive sweating leading to water and salt deficiency. While body temperature doesn't rise significantly, patients experience rapid pulse and cool, moist skin.

Response Measures for Vulnerable Groups

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses due to diminished temperature regulation abilities. Those aged 65 and older don't feel thirst easily and are prone to dehydration due to decreased kidney function. Patients with chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions require special attention.

Outdoor workers need work schedule adjustments, adequate rest, and sufficient hydration. Construction and agricultural workers should avoid the hottest period from 2-5 PM and take 10-minute shade breaks every 30 minutes.

Children are more sensitive to temperature changes than adults due to larger body surface area relative to weight. Their sweat glands aren't fully developed, making temperature regulation difficult, requiring special caregiver attention.

Government Response System

The government is implementing multi-faceted efforts to respond to the heat wave. The KDCA monitors patient occurrence in real-time through its heat illness surveillance system, while the Korea Meteorological Administration issues heat wave warnings to alert citizens.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety operates cooling centers nationwide with local governments and strengthens safety confirmation activities for vulnerable groups like elderly people living alone. The Ministry of Employment and Labor conducts inspections of outdoor worksites like construction sites and recommends work schedule adjustments.

Individual Prevention Methods

Personal precautions are most important for preventing heat-related illnesses from heat waves. Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest period from 2-5 PM, and wear light-colored, loose clothing when going outside.

Adequate hydration is essential. Drink water regularly before feeling thirsty, but avoid coffee and alcohol. For outdoor work, drinking water every 15-20 minutes is recommended.

Indoors, use air conditioning or fans appropriately and install curtains or blinds on windows to block direct sunlight. Taking cool showers or applying cold towels to the neck, armpits, and groin area is also effective.

Future Outlook and Countermeasures

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts continued heat wave conditions. Analysis indicates high temperature phenomena will persist as the North Pacific High and Tibetan High simultaneously influence Korea.

Experts predict such extreme heat waves will become more frequent due to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for long-term response systems at government and local levels.

Heat-related illnesses are entirely preventable conditions. Combining individual caution with social attention can protect precious lives. Particular attention and care for nearby elderly people living alone and outdoor workers is needed at this time.

Original: https://trendy.storydot.kr/society/heat-wave-1000-patients-7-deaths-korea