The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 12th urged people to avoid outdoor activities and follow heat illness prevention guidelines, saying that as nationwide heat advisories continue, the first severe heat warning of the year has been issued for parts of southern North Gyeongsang.
A severe heat warning is issued when, in areas where the daily maximum heat index of 95 F (35 C) or higher persists for two or more days, a heat index of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher or a maximum temperature of 102.2 F (39 C) or higher is expected.
The agency explained that heat waves can not only cause heatstroke and heat exhaustion, but also worsen existing conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, respiratory disease, and kidney disease, increasing the risk of hospitalization and death. It emphasized that during a severe heat warning, even healthy people can develop severe heat illness, requiring particular caution.
In areas under a severe heat warning, people should suspend or postpone rice paddy and field work, construction site work, sports activities, and outdoor events, move to cool places such as shade or cooling centers, and get ample rest. It also recommended checking the health status of family members and nearby neighbors.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's heat illness emergency department surveillance system, which operates with more than 520 emergency rooms nationwide, as of the 10th there were 535 cumulative heat illness cases and an estimated 2 deaths this year.
Last year, as the heat wave dragged on, heat illness damage increased sharply. Over the year, there were 4,460 heat illness cases and an estimated 29 deaths. Of these, roughly 30% of all patients and about 35% of deaths were concentrated in the roughly 10-day period from July 20 to 31.
The agency said that an analysis of the health impacts of heat waves found that when the heat index reaches 100.4 F (38 C), among those under 65, the overall risk of death increases by 4% and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease rises by 7%. Among those 65 and older, the overall risk of death rises by 19% and the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by 14%, indicating that older adults are more vulnerable to heat waves.
Im Seung-kwan, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "When a severe heat warning is issued, even healthy people can be seriously affected," and added, "Older adults, children, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and people with underlying conditions should be especially careful."
The agency recommended that during heat waves, people drink water frequently even if they are not thirsty, rest sufficiently in cool environments, and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours. It also urged people to check temperatures and heat advisories frequently and adjust their activity levels according to weather conditions.