A forecaster shows the heatwave warning situation at the Metropolitan Weather Agency in Gwonseon-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi Province on the 29th. Yonhap News

As the heatwave shows no sign of abating, over 160 people sought medical attention for heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, on the 28th alone.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 29th, 164 individuals (preliminary figures) with heat-related illnesses visited emergency rooms nationwide the previous day. Among them, one person died in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi Province.

This brings the cumulative number of heat-related illness cases since the heat-related illness surveillance system began on May 15th to 2,631, including 12 deaths.

Looking only at the figures from the start of surveillance on May 20th last year, the number of heat-related illness cases is 2,615, approximately 2.6 times higher than the 1,007 cases during the same period last year. The number of deaths this year has tripled compared to the 4 deaths during the same period last year.

Heat-related illnesses are acute conditions caused by heat, typically accompanied by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and fatigue. If not treated promptly, consciousness can deteriorate, potentially leading to life-threatening situations. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are prime examples.

Among these, heatstroke occurs when the body's temperature regulation center fails due to external heat stress, losing its function. The ability to sweat also breaks down, causing body temperature to rise continuously. Heatstroke is the heat-related illness with the highest fatality rate, and most of the deaths from heat-related illnesses in Korea are presumed to be due to heatstroke.

Among the cumulative patients this year, heat exhaustion, commonly known as heatstroke, accounted for over half at 60.0%. This was followed by heatstroke at 16.8%, heat cramps at 13.8%, and heat syncope at 8.0%.

By age group, individuals aged 65 and older accounted for 32.0% of all heat-related illness patients, meaning one in three patients. Elderly individuals are advised to avoid outdoor activities as much as possible during heatwaves and to stay in cool places.

The incidence locations included outdoor workplaces at 31.3%, fields at 12.4%, and roadsides at 12.9%.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, it is recommended to drink water frequently even if not feeling thirsty and to avoid going out during the hottest hours, from noon to 5 PM. It is advisable to wear loose, light-colored clothing and stay in a cool place.

Yonhap News