Heatwave Drives Surge in Heat-Related Illnesses... 185 Emergency Room Visits in a Day

As the prolonged heatwave continues, the number of heat-related illness cases remains steady. In just one day, 185 people visited emergency rooms due to heat-related conditions such as heat exhaustion, bringing the cumulative number of patients this year to over 2,800.

On the 5th, when an extreme heatwave warning nearing 40 degrees Celsius was issued mainly across all of Seoul and western regions including Gyeonggi and Honam, citizens holding fans were seen around Seoul Station on their way to work. 2026.08.05 Photo by Dongju Yoon

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 7th that, according to the heat-related illness surveillance system operating at more than 500 emergency rooms nationwide, 185 cases of heat-related illness were reported in a single day on the 6th. No additional deaths occurred.

Based on the surveillance system, which has been in effect since May 15 this year, a total of 2,872 heat-related illness cases and 23 deaths have been recorded.

Starting this month, as the extreme heat intensifies, the daily number of heat-related illness cases has remained high. There were 206 cases on the 3rd, 209 on the 4th, and 220 on the 5th, exceeding 200 cases for three consecutive days. Although the count dropped to 185 on the 6th, it still remains at a dangerous level.

By region, Gyeonggi Province recorded the highest number of cases with 71, followed by Seoul with 43 cases.

This year, 77.3% of cumulative heat-related illness patients were men, and the percentage of elderly patients aged 65 and older was 34.1%. By type of illness, heat exhaustion was the most common at 62.0%, followed by heat stroke at 17.3%, and heat cramps at 11.1%.

Heat-related illnesses have been reported not only during midday but also as early as the morning. The proportion of cases occurring between 6 and 10 a.m. was 12.9%, which is attributed to nighttime temperatures not dropping sufficiently due to tropical nights. Afternoon cases were also significant, with 10.1% occurring between 2 and 3 p.m., 9.5% between 3 and 4 p.m., and 9.2% between 4 and 5 p.m.

As for the locations where these conditions occurred, outdoor workplaces accounted for the highest proportion at 25.5%, followed by roadsides at 12.4%, and rice paddies and fields at 12.3%. Notably, 8.0% of cases occurred at home, highlighting the need for indoor heat management as well.

Experts advise minimizing outdoor activity during heatwaves and drinking water frequently, even before feeling thirsty. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages should be avoided, as they can cause dehydration. When going outside, wearing loose-fitting clothes and using items such as parasols or hats to reduce sun exposure can also help.

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