On First Day of Extreme Heat Advisory, 88 People Visit Emergency Rooms for Heat-Related Illnesses

"Reduce Outdoor Activities and Drink Water Frequently"

On July 12, when the first nationwide extreme heat advisory of this summer was issued, a surge in heat-related illnesses was reported across the country.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on July 13, a total of 88 people visited emergency rooms with heat-related illnesses the previous day. No deaths were reported. This number was lower than the 99 cases recorded on July 11, which marked the highest single-day count of heat-related illnesses so far this year.

By region, there were 28 cases in Gyeonggi Province, 12 in North Gyeongsang Province, 9 in Seoul, 8 in South Chungcheong Province, 7 in South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, 6 in Busan, 4 each in North Chungcheong Province and Incheon, 3 in South Gyeongsang Province, 2 each in North Jeolla Province and Gangwon Province, and 1 each in Ulsan, Daegu, and Sejong.

A management worker at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is watering the lawn. Photo by Jojongjun

Since May 15, the KDCA has been operating a heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system in cooperation with 516 medical institutions nationwide. Since the start of this year’s surveillance system, the cumulative number of heat-related illness cases has reached 741, with a provisional death toll of 2. During the same period last year (May 15 to July 12), the cumulative number of cases was 1,555, with 9 deaths.

While the cumulative figures are lower than last year, the ongoing severity of the heatwave means that extra caution is needed, especially for the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases. Even healthy individuals are at risk of developing severe heat-related illnesses during extreme heat, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities, and should exercise special caution.

The KDCA advises reducing outdoor activities during periods of extreme heat and taking sufficient rest in shaded areas when going outside or working. It is also important to drink water frequently, even before feeling thirsty. If symptoms such as headache, cramps, dizziness, or extreme fatigue persist after heat exposure despite rest, individuals should seek medical attention or contact emergency services (119).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.