Heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke and heat exhaustion, are acute conditions caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and altered mental status can emerge, potentially becoming life-threatening if ignored.
Since 2011, the KDCA has monitored heat-related cases through its Emergency Room Surveillance System, gathering data from roughly 500 emergency medical facilities across the country. This year, an early heatwave beginning in late June has driven a rapid rise in cases, with 3,815 patients reported as of August 21. This figure reflects a 26% increase over the 3,004 cases recorded in the same period last year, making it the second-highest total since 2018, when 4,393 cases were documented.
An analysis of data from 2015 to 2025 shows a clear link between rising temperatures and a steep increase in heat-related illnesses. According to the KDCA, for every 1°C temperature rise in the 27.7–31.0°C range, an average of 7.4 additional patients are reported. This number jumps to about 22 additional patients in the 31.1–33.2°C range and surges to 51 when temperatures exceed 33.3°C.
These findings highlight a dramatic spike in cases once temperatures cross the 33.3°C threshold, underscoring how sensitive public health is to extreme heat.
“Water, Shade, Rest”: KDCA’s Essential Advice
KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-kwan emphasized that prolonged high temperatures since late June have fueled a swift increase in cases. “We are strengthening our proactive response based on weather data,” Lim said. He stressed the need to make heatwave precautions a daily habit, with daytime highs forecast to hover between 30°C and 34°C through the end of August.
As South Korea contends with increasingly severe heatwaves, the KDCA’s call for public awareness and adherence to safety measures underscores the urgent need to address the growing health risks posed by extreme temperatures.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
