The number of heat-related illness patients in the Gyeonggi Province region this year has been recorded as the second highest in history, following last year.

According to Gyeonggi Province on September 24, the cumulative number of heat-related illness patients in the province reached a total of 959 from May 15, when the tracking of heat-related illnesses began, until September 21.

The number of heat-related illness patients is tracked based on reports from 93 medical institutions in the province operating emergency rooms, and data collection will run until September 30.

The highest number in a single year in history was 972 last year, followed by 937 in 2018.

Last year's types of heat-related illnesses included 602 cases of heat exhaustion, 159 cases of heatstroke, 110 cases of heat cramps, and 80 cases of heat syncope. By gender, there were 752 males and 207 females.

Among them, there were 3 deaths (one each in Yeoncheon, Uijeongbu, and Siheung).

Intense heat raged this year, with heatwave warnings issued across all 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province totaling 17 days in July and August.

Gyeonggi Province introduced climate insurance last year for the first time among local governments nationwide, paying insurance benefits for heat-related illnesses as well. The number of supported individuals increased from 578 last year to 888 this year.

The diagnosis subsidy for heat-related illnesses is 150,000 KRW, and claims can be filed up to 3 years from the date of the incident.
(Photo provided by Gyeonggi Province, Yonhap News)