Heat-related illness patients in late summer up 3-fold over past decade: data
Summary
Heat-related illness patients in late summer have nearly tripled over the past decade, government data showed Saturday. An annual average of 215 patients was reported from ipchu to the end of August in 2011 to 2015, rising to 658 in 2016 to 2020 and 638 in 2021 to 2025. Deaths also increased, and 2024 recorded 1,299 cases and 12 deaths from ipchu to late August. The government said its heat-related illness monitoring system, launched on May 15, has logged 3,089 cases and 26 deaths.
Key Facts
- From ipchu to the end of August, the annual average number of heat-related patients was 215 in 2011 to 2015, 658 in 2016 to 2020, and 638 in 2021 to 2025.
- Deaths linked to heat-related illnesses rose from an annual average of 3.3 patients in 2012 to 2015 to more than four patients a year from 2016 to 2025.
- In 2024, 1,299 people suffered heat-related illnesses and 12 died from ipchu to late August.
- The government has operated a heat-related illness monitoring system since May 15, and it has recorded 3,089 cases including 26 deaths.
A person wears a hat to shield themselves from the sun as they walk near Hongik University in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
The number of heat-related illness cases reported in late summer nearly tripled in the past 10 years, government data showed Saturday.
An annual average of 215 heat-related patients were reported from "ipchu" to the end of August during the 2011-2015 period, according to an analysis by a research institute under the interior ministry using data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Ipchu, which fell on Friday this year, marks the beginning of autumn on the traditional calendar.
The figure rose to an annual average of 658 cases from 2016 to 2020 and to 638 cases during the 2021-2025 period.
Deaths linked to heat-related illnesses also increased during the same period, rising from an annual average of 3.3 patients from 2012 to 2015 to more than four patients over the past decade from 2016 to 2025.
In 2024 alone, 1,299 people suffered from heat-related illnesses and 12 died from ipchu to late-August.
Heat waves are expected to continue until late August this year, with daytime highs expected to range from 31 to 35 degrees Celsius across the country.
On Friday alone, 202 people were treated at emergency rooms nationwide for heat-related illnesses, three of whom died, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
The government has operated a heat-related illness monitoring system since May 15. Under the system, 3,089 heat-related illness cases have been reported, including 26 deaths.
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