Column  Finance and the Social Security System  2020.06.30

【Aging, safety net and fiscal crisis in Japan】No.238: The season of heat stroke with symptoms similar to COVID-19 has begun

In this column series, Yukihiro Matsuyama, Research Director at CIGS introduces the latest information about aging, safety net and fiscal crisis in Japan with data of international comparison.
Healthcare

In June, the season when the temperature exceeds 30°C began. In the summer, more people are transported by ambulance due to heat stroke. In 2019, the number was 71,317, of which 37,091 (52%) were elderly (Figure 1). The number of people who died of heat stroke in 2018 was 1,581 (Figure 2). According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the death toll from COVID-19 was 916 on June 9th. Therefore, the statistics show that heat stroke is as important as COVID-19 for people's health.

Fever, malaise, and dyspnea, which are characteristic of the symptoms of heat stroke, are also common in those infected with COVID-19. It is difficult for doctors and paramedics to immediately distinguish between heat stroke patients and those infected with COVID-19. Therefore, there is a concern that healthcare institutions may fall into turmoil.


Figure 1 Number of people who were transported by ambulance due to heat stroke

238.1.jpg *Please click the table image to find the original size image.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare


Figure 2 Number of deaths from heat stroke

238.2.jpg *Please click the table image to find the original size image.
Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare