[A summarized unofficial version of the press release]

The ER visits for heat-related illness (HRI) increased by 31.4% from a year ago

due to the prolonged heat wave during this summer

- The number of heat-related illness (HRI) cases amounted to 3,704 this summer, a 31.4% rise from a year earlier (2,818 cases).

- According to sex, age and disease-specific data, HRI cases were higher among men than women, accounting for 78.5%, with the highest incidence observed in those in their 50s, at 19.3%. Additionally, heat exhaustion was the most common HRI, making up 55.6% of cases.

- Of presumed heat-related deaths, 29.4% occurred in individuals aged 80 and older, with 94.1% of the deaths presumed to be caused by heat stroke.

Osong, 12 November 2024 – On October 11, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the results of heat-related illness (HRI) surveillance system for the summer of 2024 (from May 20 to September 30).

During the monitoring period, a total of 3,704 cases of heat-related illness (HRI) were reported, with 34 deaths. This represents a 31.4% increase compared to the previous year, which recorded 2,818 cases and 32 deaths. The total number of presumed heat-related deaths was 34 (20 men and 14 women), a 6.3% increase from the prior year.

Notably, this year saw the second highest heat-related death toll of 34 cases since 2018, which recorded the peak of 48 cases. Among the deceased, 29.4% were aged over 80, 82.4% of cases occurred outdoors, 94.1% were attributed to heat stroke, and 17.6% were reported in the Gyeongnam region.

Key findings from the 2024 HRI surveillance system indicate that men were disproportionately affected, accounting for 2,908 cases (78.5%) compared to women, who accounted for 796 cases (21.5%). By age group, those in their 50s accounted for the highest number of cases at 716 (19.3%), with individuals aged 65 and older making up 30.4% of all patients. The reported incidence of heat-related illness per 100,000 population was highest among those aged over 80.

* Reported HRI cases per 100,000 populations: (those aged over 80) 15.4, (those in their 70s) 10.6, (those in their 60s) 8.7 and (those in their 50s) 8.2

By disease, heat exhaustion was the most common HRI, accounting for 2,060 cases (55.6%), followed by heat stroke with 732 cases (19.8%).

Regionally, Gyeonggi reported the highest number of cases (767), followed by Jeonnam (407) and Gyeongnam (377). When adjusted for population size, Jeonnam had the highest rate with 22.7 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Jeju (18.3) and Jeonbuk (13.0).

Outbreak data shows that 2,914 cases (78.7%) occurred outdoors, a figure 3.7 times higher than the 790 cases (21.3%) reported indoors. Outdoor workplaces were the most affected, with 1,176 cases (31.7%). In terms of occupation, simple laborers accounted for the largest share, with 947 cases (25.6%).

* Unknown or others excluded.

“This summer saw the highest average temperature nationwide, the greatest number of tropical nights, and the second highest incidence of HRIs and deaths since 2018, largely due to climate change,” said Dr. Youngmee Jee, Commissioner of KDCA.

“KDCA remains committed to minimizing the health impacts of HRIs, including heat waves. We will continue providing targeted, location- and situation-specific guidance for climate-vulnerable populations to prevent heat-related health risks.”

* For detailed information, please refer to the press release written in the Korean language in the file attached below.