72 heat-related patients nationwide yesterday... Slight increase from previous day

As the sweltering heat continues, the number of heat-related illnesses reported nationwide yesterday (July 31) stood at 72, a slight increase from the previous day, marking the 10th consecutive day with figures exceeding 50. Consequently, the cumulative total since May 15 has reached 1,781 patients, with 13 deaths tallied.

The majority of cases occurred outdoors (79%). By region, Gyeonggi Province reported the highest number with 13 cases, followed by South Gyeongsang Province and Incheon. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety noted that during extreme heat waves, the proportion of indoor heat-related illnesses doubles compared to normal times.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is maintaining its forecast for heat-related illness occurrences at the highest level, Level 4. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety emphasized the active use of air conditioning and urged people to utilize cool shelters.