(LEAD) Heat-related illness patients in late summer up threefold over past decade: data

In the past decade, the number of heat-related illness cases reported in late summer has nearly tripled, according to government data released on Aug. 8. From 2011-2015, an average of 215 heat-related patients were reported annually, but this figure increased to 658 cases per year from 2016-2020 and 638 cases in 2021-2025. Deaths related to heat-related illnesses also rose, from an average of 3.3 patients per year from 2012-2015 to over four patients from 2016-2025.

In 2024 alone, 1,299 people experienced heat-related illnesses and 12 died, bringing the total to 3,089 cases and 26 deaths reported under the government's heat-related illness monitoring system. As heat waves are expected to persist until late August, with daytime temperatures ranging from 31-35 C, the government has maintained this monitoring system since May 15, recording 3,089 cases and 26 fatalities.