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Busan Metropolitan City to Operate the 2025–2026 Cold-Related Illness Emergency Department Surveillance System

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Busan Metropolitan City Mayor Park Heong-joon announced today (December 1) that the city will operate the “2025–2026 Cold-Related Illness Emergency Department Surveillance System” from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, to minimize damage caused by winter cold waves.

The Cold-Related Illness Emergency Department Surveillance System registers patients who visit emergency departments due to cold-related illnesses in the Integrated Disease and Health Management System. It continuously monitors these cases to quickly identify the occurrence and key characteristics of cold-related illnesses.

Cold-related illnesses refer to health conditions in which exposure to cold directly harms the human body. They are largely classified into systemic hypothermia and localized conditions such as frostbite and chilblains. As these illnesses are preventable, it is important to be familiar with preventive measures and appropriate response actions in advance.

This year’s operation of the Cold-Related Illness Emergency Department Surveillance System will include a total of 36 medical institutions, the same number as last year. These institutions will monitor the occurrence of cold-related illnesses on a daily basis and provide status information.

Additionally, to ensure the seamless operation of the surveillance system, a five-day pilot run was conducted from November 26 to 30.

Daily updates collected during the operation period will be provided through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website (www.kdca.go.kr).

According to the nationwide cold-related illness surveillance results from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for the previous winter season (2024–2025), a total of 334 cases and 8 deaths were reported. This represents a 16.5 percent decrease in cases and a 33.3 percent decrease in deaths compared to the previous season (400 cases and 12 deaths).

During the 2024–2025 season, 7 cases of cold-related illness were reported by medical institutions in Busan, with no deaths. This represents a 50 percent decrease in cases compared to the previous season (14 cases and 1 death), and no deaths occurred.

Among the 7 cold-related illness cases reported in Busan during the 2024–2025 season, 5 were hypothermia cases (71.4 percent), 1 was frostbite (superficial), and 1 was classified as other.

Cho Gyuyul, Director General of the Citizen Health Bureau, stated, “As severe cold is expected again this winter, Busan will thoroughly operate the cold-related illness emergency department surveillance system through 36 medical institutions. We ask citizens to remain attentive to cold wave advisories and alerts, and we especially encourage vulnerable populations such as older adults and children to follow health guidelines to prevent cold-related illnesses.”