온열질환자 하루 154명에서 28명으로 급감…폭염 한풀 꺾여

Heatstroke cases plummeted from 154 patients per day to just 28 cases after a brief heatwave subsided for a day. According to the disease management agency's real-time surveillance system, the nationwide total of heatstroke patients who sought emergency room care was 28 on the 9th. No fatalities were recorded. This marked a significant 82% decrease from the previous day when 154 patients were treated (154명).

From August 1st to 8th, the number of heatstroke patients had ranged from 100 to 200 per day, but dropped to the low two-digit figure on this day. Regional breakdowns showed the highest number in Gyeonggi-do at 6, followed by Seoul with 5 and Chungbuk with 4. From May 15th to 9th, the cumulative total of heatstroke patients stood at 3,320, with 30 estimated deaths.

Compared to the same period last year, the overall count of heatstroke patients was 64 fewer, but the death toll was 8 higher. When broken down by age, those 65 and older accounted for 1,197 cases (36.1%), followed by 60-69-year-olds at 613 (18.5%) and 50-59-year-olds at 524 (15.8%). Heat exhaustion was the most common diagnosis at 2,036 cases (61.3%), followed by heatstroke at 615 (18.5%), heat cramps at 351 (10.6%), and heat syncope at 271 (8.2%).

The majority of cases occurred outdoors, with 807 patients (24.3%) at work sites, 426 (12.8%) along roadsides, and 398 (12.0%) in paddy fields. Indoor cases accounted for 320 (9.6%). To prevent heatstroke, the public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during heat alerts, maintain proper indoor temperatures, stay in cool places, drink water regularly to avoid dehydration, and avoid alcohol and caffeine which can cause dehydration and disrupt sleep.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare convened a first meeting of the heatwave emergency response headquarters, reviewing the current state of heatwave response efforts. The Ministry emphasized that while the weekend temperatures have slightly eased, heat remains a persistent threat, and systematic actions will continue to be taken to protect vulnerable populations.