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Korea Herald
29-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Exposure to secondhand smoke rises after 3-year decline
Seoul Station Square to be designated as no-smoking zone from June The rate of exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor spaces in South Korea rose in 2023 after falling for three consecutive years, according to a report released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Thursday. Secondhand smok, as defined by the governmental agency, refers to individuals inhaling smoke from someone else's cigarette or e-cigarette. As cigarette smoke contains carcinogenic and other harmful substances, secondhand smoke can contribute to 'early death in non-smokers,' the KDCA said. According to the KDCA, the rate of exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor public spaces and indoor workspaces in 2023 was 8.6 percent and 8 percent, respectively. For both indoor public spaces and workspaces, the exposure rate of secondhand smoke fell from 2020 to 2022. After the exposure rate for indoor workspaces reached 14.1 percent in 2019, it decreased to 10.3 percent in 2020 and 6.3 percent in 2022. For indoor public spaces, the rate was also highest in 2019 at 18.3 percent. Before decreasing to 12 percent in 2020 and 7.4 percent in 2022. The rate for 2023 was 8.6 percent. Although the household exposure rate was relatively low, the KDCA noted that it followed the same trend. While it had recorded up to 4.7 percent in 2019, it had decreased to 2.6 percent in 2022, before rising again to 3 percent in 2023. Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that it will work to 'support all revisions and implementations of laws related to regulating all types of tobacco, including new kinds such as e-cigarettes.' In relation to the government's stance, Seoul Station Square in Jung-gu, central Seoul, will be designated as a non-smoking zone from June 1. From June, smokers will be required to use the smoking booths located around the Seoul Station Square and those who are caught not abiding by this new rule will be fined up to 100,000 won ($72).
Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Health
- Straits Times
South Korea's unseasonal temperatures spark rise in heat illnesses
The spike in heat-related illnesses follows a streak of unusually high temperatures that began on May 17. PHOTO: AFP SEOUL - Unseasonal heat in May has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses across South Korea, with 44 patients hospitalised over the past week — a dramatic 22-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024 . According to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 21 people were treated for heat-related illnesses on May 21 alone. The cases were reported by 517 emergency medical facilities participating in the agency's nationwide heat illness surveillance system. Since the system began operations on May 15 — five days earlier than in 2024 — the cumulative number of heat-related patients reached 44, up from just two during the same week last year. No deaths have been reported so far. The spike in illnesses follows a streak of unusually high temperatures that began on May 17, with daytime highs ranging from 24 deg Celsius to over 30 deg Celsius in some regions. On May 21, many parts of the country also recorded the hottest May morning on record. The highest number of patients on May 21 came from Gyeonggi Province with seven cases, followed by Daegu and Incheon with three each, and Seoul, Gangwon Province, North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province each with two. Men accounted for 34 of the 44 patients. The most affected age groups were people in their 40s and 60s, each with nine, followed by those in their 30s (seven), 50s (six) and 20s (four). Patients aged 65 or older were a quarter of the cases. Most incidents occurred outdoors, with 16 patients collapsing on sidewalks, followed by nine at outdoor workplaces and six in mountainous areas. The most common times for heat-related incidents were between 10am to 11am, and 3pm to 4pm. The KDCA warned that with continued high temperatures forecast through June and even hotter weather expected in July and August, precautions should be taken seriously. Authorities advise checking daily temperatures before going outside, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and taking frequent breaks. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk and should not be left alone in enclosed spaces, especially with windows shut, the agency cautioned. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Unseasonal temperatures spark rise in heat illnesses
Unseasonal heat in May has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses across South Korea, with 44 patients hospitalized over the past week — a dramatic 22-fold increase compared to the same period last year. According to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 21 people were treated for heat-related illnesses on May 21 alone. The cases were reported by 517 emergency medical facilities participating in the agency's nationwide heat illness surveillance system. Since the system began operations on May 15 — five days earlier than in 2024 — the cumulative number of heat-related patients reached 44, up from just two during the same week last year. No deaths have been reported so far. The spike in illnesses follows a streak of unusually high temperatures that began on May 17, with daytime highs ranging from 24 to over 30 degrees Celsius in some regions. On May 21, many parts of the country also recorded the hottest May morning on record. The highest number of patients on May 21 came from Gyeonggi Province with seven cases, followed by Daegu and Incheon with three each, and Seoul, Gangwon Province, North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province each with two. Men accounted for 34 of the 44 patients. The most affected age groups were people in their 40s and 60s, each with nine, followed by those in their 30s (seven), 50s (six) and 20s (four). Patients aged 65 or older were a quarter of the cases. Most incidents occurred outdoors, with 16 patients collapsing on sidewalks, followed by nine at outdoor workplaces and six in mountainous areas. The most common times for heat-related incidents were between 10 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. The KDCA warned that with continued high temperatures forecast through June and even hotter weather expected in July and August, precautions should be taken seriously. Authorities advise checking daily temperatures before going outside, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and taking frequent breaks. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk and should not be left alone in enclosed spaces, especially with windows shut, the agency cautioned.
Korea Herald
23-05-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Unseasonal temperatures spark rise in heat illnesses
Unseasonal heat in May has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses across South Korea, with 44 patients hospitalized over the past week — a dramatic 22-fold increase compared to the same period last year. According to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 21 people were treated for heat-related illnesses on May 21 alone. The cases were reported by 517 emergency medical facilities participating in the agency's nationwide heat illness surveillance system. Since the system began operations on May 15 — five days earlier than in 2024 — the cumulative number of heat-related patients reached 44, up from just two during the same week last year. No deaths have been reported so far. The spike in illnesses follows a streak of unusually high temperatures that began on May 17, with daytime highs ranging from 24 to over 30 degrees Celsius in some regions. On May 21, many parts of the country also recorded the hottest May morning on record. The highest number of patients on May 21 came from Gyeonggi Province with seven cases, followed by Daegu and Incheon with three each, and Seoul, Gangwon Province, North Jeolla Province and North Gyeongsang Province each with two. Men accounted for 34 of the 44 patients. The most affected age groups were people in their 40s and 60s, each with nine, followed by those in their 30s (seven), 50s (six) and 20s (four). Patients aged 65 or older were a quarter of the cases. Most incidents occurred outdoors, with 16 patients collapsing on sidewalks, followed by nine at outdoor workplaces and six in mountainous areas. The most common times for heat-related incidents were between 10 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. The KDCA warned that with continued high temperatures forecast through June and even hotter weather expected in July and August, precautions should be taken seriously. Authorities advise checking daily temperatures before going outside, avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours, staying hydrated, wearing sun protection and taking frequent breaks. Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses are particularly at risk and should not be left alone in enclosed spaces, especially with windows shut, the agency cautioned.
Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
South Korea reports 52 measles cases, highest in six years
Listen to article South Korea has confirmed 52 measles cases in 2025, marking the highest number in six years, as global outbreaks of once-eliminated infectious diseases resurge. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the confirmed cases surpass last year's total of 49 and are the highest since 2019, when 194 cases were reported. South Korea was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014. However, the recent rise is attributed to factors such as increased international travel and an aging population. Of the 52 cases, 34 were imported, largely from countries like Vietnam, while 18 were locally transmitted through contact with international travelers in households and medical facilities. Despite the surge, health officials emphasize that the risk of rapid outbreaks remains low due to South Korea's stable vaccination rates and robust monitoring system. The KDCA also noted an increase in other diseases typically associated with less developed regions, such as tuberculosis and scabies. The spike in measles cases follows a period of minimal infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, with just six cases in 2020 and none in 2021 or 2022. In 2023, there were eight cases. Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations to maintain herd immunity.
