Over the past three years, the number of heatwave days has averaged over ten days, and the number of heat-related illnesses in Chungcheongnam-do has exceeded 200 last year, indicating an increase in health damage caused by the heat.

According to the province on the 28th, the number of heat-related illnesses in the province over the past three years has steadily increased, with △83 cases in 2021 (nationwide 1376) △135 cases in 2022 (nationwide 1564) △205 cases in 2023 (nationwide 2818).

In particular, last year saw a prolonged record heat, leading to the highest number of heatwave and tropical nights since the summer of 2018, when the national average temperature was also the highest, resulting in the highest incidence of heat-related illnesses.

The number of heatwave days also increased from 11.8 days in 2021 and 10.6 days in 2022 to 14.2 days last year, with the number of heat-related deaths in the province reaching 8 (nationwide 32), a significant increase from 2 (nationwide 20) in 2021 and 1 (nationwide 9) in 2022.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, this summer is expected to be hotter than usual due to the high possibility of warm southern winds and the westward expansion of the Northwest Pacific subtropical high-pressure system, which will strengthen the influx of humid steam and bring a lot of rain.

Especially in June and August, temperatures have a 50% chance of being higher than usual, while July temperatures have a 40% chance of being similar to or higher than usual.

To minimize heatwave damage this summer, the province will operate the "Heat-related Illness Emergency Surveillance System" until September 30th, actively monitoring the occurrence of heat-related illnesses and promoting heat health prevention activities among residents.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion, are acute illnesses caused by heat. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased consciousness can appear after prolonged exposure to heat. If left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening, making proper precautions essential.

The Heat-related Illness Emergency Surveillance System, operated by 20 emergency medical institutions in the province, monitors health damage and the occurrence of heat-related illnesses in real-time. The collected information is provided daily through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website (www.kdca.go.kr).

During the surveillance system operation period, the province will promote heat illness prevention guidelines to vulnerable groups, place promotional materials in senior centers, community centers, and village halls, and establish an emergency contact network with city and county health centers to report any deaths immediately and conduct role investigations through organic cooperation.

To prevent heatwave damage, it is essential to follow these practices: △drink water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty △wear loose, light-colored, lightweight clothing △avoid outdoor activities and exercise during the hottest hours of the day (12-5 PM) and stay in cool places △use hats or parasols to block sunlight when going out.

A provincial official stated, “According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's forecast, this summer will have more hot days than usual, so we need to be more prepared for heat-related illnesses.” The province will strive to minimize health damage by focusing on heatwave prevention publicity for vulnerable individuals and strengthening cooperation with relevant agencies.

For more information, contact the Health Policy Department, Emergency Medicine Team at 041-635-2644.