First Heat-Related Death of the Summer Occurs Earlier Than Ever

A heat-related death has been reported in mid-May, marking the earliest occurrence on record for this time of year.

On May 16, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that an elderly man in his 80s died from heat-related illness in Seoul.

This incident represents the earliest heat-related death since the KDCA began monitoring such cases.

Starting May 15, the KDCA activated its heat-related illness surveillance system in collaboration with 516 emergency rooms across the country to monitor real-time data on the disease's occurrence.

On the first day of monitoring, seven patients were treated for heat-related illnesses in emergency rooms, with two in Seoul, one in Incheon, and four in Gyeonggi Province. The suspected fatality occurred in Dongdaemun District, Seoul.

On that day, the national average high temperature reached 28.2 degrees Celsius (82.8 degrees Fahrenheit), while Seoul recorded a high of 31.3 degrees Celsius (88.3 degrees Fahrenheit), significantly above the seasonal average.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by excessive heat, typically accompanied by symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, and fatigue.

Heat stroke, a severe condition, occurs when body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and is accompanied by central nervous system dysfunction, requiring immediate medical attention.

Each summer, the KDCA collaborates with over 500 medical institutions and local health offices to track the number of patients treated for heat-related illnesses in emergency rooms, providing daily updates on its website.

Last year, the surveillance system recorded 4,460 cases of heat-related illness, the second-highest number since the record-breaking heatwave of 2018. Among these, 29 suspected fatalities were reported, with 68.6% of the victims aged 65 and older. The primary cause of death was heat stroke, accounting for 93.1% of cases.

The KDCA emphasized the growing importance of preventing health risks associated with heatwaves, particularly due to climate change, which has increased the frequency and intensity of such events.

Elderly individuals, pregnant women, children, and those with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, and the KDCA urged the public to follow preventive measures even when heat advisories are not in effect.

"Heat-related illnesses can be effectively prevented by adhering to basic health guidelines," said KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan. "On hot days, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and regularly check the health status of vulnerable populations exposed to extreme heat."

* This article has been translated by AI.

SoHee Baek