The number of heat-related illness deaths this year has already reached 21, surpassing the figure for the same period last year. According to the heat-related illness emergency room surveillance system operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) since May 15, the cumulative number of heat-related illness patients has been tallied at 2,441.

While the number of patients is about 75% of the same period last year (3,238), the death toll has already exceeded last year's figure of 20. The simple fatality rate has also risen from 0.62% last year to 0.86% this year.

■ Daily Patients Hover Around 200

According to KDCA statistics, as of August 5, 198 patients were treated for heat-related illnesses at some 500 emergency rooms nationwide the previous day, with one of them dying. Since the beginning of this month, more than 100 patients have been occurring daily: 117 on the 1st, 114 on the 2nd, 202 on the 3rd, and 198 on the 4th, with nearly 200 patients pouring in day after day.

Suspected heat-related deaths have been reported for four consecutive days recently. On the 3rd, a man in his 70s died in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and on the 4th, a man in his 60s died in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province. Both individuals were reported to have had underlying health conditions.

■ Regional Patient and Death Status

By region, Gyeonggi Province had the highest number of heat-related illness patients at 537, followed by Seoul at 250, North Gyeongsang Province at 229, South Gyeongsang Province at 219, South Jeolla Province/Gwangju at 211, North Jeolla Province at 157, South Chungcheong Province at 149, Incheon at 117, Gangwon Province at 113, Ulsan at 106, North Chungcheong Province at 104, Busan at 75, and Daegu at 70.

Deaths were recorded as follows: 5 in North Jeolla Province, 3 in South Gyeongsang Province, 2 each in Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, and North Gyeongsang Province, and 1 each in Incheon, Jeju, and North Chungcheong Province.

■ Patient Characteristics and Illness Types

Men accounted for 77.1% of heat-related illness patients, while those aged 65 and older made up 33.8%. By illness type, heat exhaustion was the most common at 61.7%, followed by heatstroke (16.8%), heat cramps (11.5%), and heat syncope (8.6%).

Heatstroke is a severe condition in which core body temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, accompanied by central nervous system abnormalities such as decreased consciousness, delirium, and seizures, and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

■ Heatwave Fire Risk Raised to 'Severe' Level

The National Fire Agency raised the fire hazard alert at fire stations nationwide from 'Watch' to 'Severe' effective 3 p.m. on August 5, as the risk of fires in electrical facilities and cooling equipment has increased due to the heatwave. An emergency work system is being operated centered on the 'Heatwave 119 Safety Countermeasure Headquarters,' and fire prevention guidelines are being intensively disseminated through disaster broadcasts and safety text messages.

In fact, the daily average number of fires from July 10 to 27 was 100.8, a 19.4% increase from the previous period (84.4). From July 27 to August 4, the daily average rose to 116.9, a 15.9% increase from the immediately preceding period.

■ Prevention Guidelines and Response Measures

The KDCA recommends refraining from outdoor activities and work during the heatwave, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, and using parasols and hats. Even without feeling thirsty, people should drink water regularly and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

If heat-related illness is suspected, immediately move to a cool place, loosen clothing, and lower body temperature with a wet towel or ice. If decreased consciousness or heatstroke is suspected, promptly call 119 for transfer to an emergency medical facility.

■ Reference: The Worst Year on Record Was 2018

The year with the highest number of deaths since the operation of the heat-related illness surveillance system was 2018, when there were 31 heatwave days, 4,526 heat-related illness patients, and 48 deaths. This year, the cumulative death toll has already surpassed last year's total before the surveillance system has even concluded.

Heat advisories are currently in effect nationwide, with heat warnings issued for some parts of the capital region and the Jeolla region. The sweltering heat, with peak perceived temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius, is expected to continue in the coming days.