As the start of autumn approaches, extreme heat has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses across the country, with over 200 cases reported for three consecutive days.
According to Yonhap News and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a total of 208 heat-related patients visited emergency rooms nationwide on August 5. Among them was a man in his 70s from Gimje, North Jeolla Province, who reportedly suffered from a heat-related illness while on the street.
Heat-related illnesses had initially been reported in the hundreds on August 1 and 2, but the numbers have remained above 200 for the past three days.
Since the heat illness monitoring system was activated on May 15, the total number of reported cases has reached 2,665, with 23 fatalities recorded.
While the total number of heat-related illnesses this year is lower than the 3,300 cases reported during the same period last year, the number of cases on August 5 was 3.4 times higher than the 62 cases reported on the same day last year.
The estimated cumulative deaths from heat-related illnesses this year have surpassed last year's total by two, with 23 deaths compared to 21 in 2022.
Regionally, the highest daily counts this year were reported on August 5, with 70 cases in Gyeonggi Province and 49 in Seoul. The total number of patients in Seoul has reached around 300, while Gyeonggi Province has reported approximately 600 cases.
This summer, 77.5% of heat-related patients have been male, and 33.8% were seniors aged 65 and older.
In terms of specific illnesses, heat exhaustion accounted for 62.3% of cases, followed by heat stroke at 16.9%, heat cramps at 11.1%, and heat syncope at 8.4%.
Most heat-related illnesses occurred outdoors (77.4%), with workplaces being the most common location at 25.7%.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency advises, "Even if you do not feel thirsty, it is important to drink water regularly. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages that can lead to dehydration."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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