South Korea heatwave: Over 1,700 ill, 13 deaths suspected as temperatures soar

South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented "extreme heatwave," which has led to over 1,700 cases of heat-related illnesses since May. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 13 suspected deaths linked to the heat, with a concerning seven occurring in just the last five days.

Recent fatalities include a 20-year-old man in Busan who died on July 30th after experiencing heatstroke symptoms. In Incheon, a 60-year-old man was found collapsed on a hiking trail and later died in the hospital, with authorities suspecting heatstroke-induced cardiac arrest. The surge in heat-related emergencies highlights the severe impact of the prolonged high temperatures.

Beyond heatstroke, the extreme weather is contributing to a rise in other health concerns. Bacterial intestinal infections, characterized by diarrhea and abdominal pain, have seen a significant increase, with 6,820 cases reported by the end of July, a 23.5% rise compared to the same period last year. Notably, cases of Campylobacter infection, often linked to consuming undercooked chicken, have more than doubled in a single week, jumping from 178 to 365.

Health authorities are urging the public to minimize outdoor activities during peak heat hours, use umbrellas or hats for sun protection, and practice stringent food safety measures. Recommendations include separating raw chicken from other ingredients, thorough handwashing after handling eggs, and ensuring meat and seafood are cooked completely to prevent foodborne illnesses.

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The public is advised to minimize outdoor activities during peak heat hours, use umbrellas or hats to block the sun, and practice food safety.