Heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion, are acute conditions caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and altered mental status, which may become life-threatening if untreated.
Since 2011, the KDCA has monitored heat-related cases through its Emergency Room Surveillance System, gathering data from roughly 500 emergency medical facilities across the country. This year, an early heatwave beginning in late June has driven a sharp rise in cases, with 3,815 patients reported as of August 21. This figure reflects a 26% increase over the 3,004 cases recorded in the same period last year, making it the second-highest total since 2018, when 4,393 cases were documented.
Temperatures Above 33.3°C Trigger Sharp Rise in Cases
These findings highlight a sharp spike in cases once temperatures exceed 33.3°C, underscoring the vulnerability of public health to extreme heat.
“Water, Shade, Rest”: KDCA’s Essential Advice
The KDCA urges the public to follow three critical steps to prevent heat-related illnesses: drink water, seek shade, and take breaks. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or dehydration should move promptly to a cooler place, hydrate, and rest. If symptoms persist, the agency advises calling 119 for immediate medical attention.
KDCA Commissioner Seung-kwan Lim noted that prolonged high temperatures since late June have driven a rapid increase in cases. “We are strengthening our proactive response based on weather data,” Lim said. He emphasized the importance of making heatwave precautions a daily habit, with daytime highs forecast to remain between 30°C and 34°C through the end of August."
As South Korea faces increasingly severe heatwaves, the KDCA’s call for public awareness and adherence to safety measures underscores the urgent need to mitigate the health risks of extreme temperatures.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
