PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli ( EHEC) infections in Republic of Korea from 2019 to 2024 based on surveillance and epidemiological investigation data, providing a scientific basis for establishing effective prevention and control strategies.
Methods: We analyzed the incidence trends, age distribution, geographic regions, dietary risk factors, complications, and serotypes of EHEC infections. The study compared data from 2024 with the average of the previous five years (2019–2023), utilizing case reports and epidemiological investigation forms of 1,282 patients reported to the Integrated Disease Control System between 2019 and 2024.
Results: In 2024, 274 cases were reported, representing a 35.9% increase compared to the average of the previous five years. While outbreaks typically concentrated between June and August, the 2024 occurrence period extended through October. Incidence was primarily concentrated in children under 10 years (42.3%) and adults aged 70 and older (17.9%). Notably, among those who consumed beef, the proportion of raw beef consumption increased approximately 3.5-fold compared to the previous five-year average. Furthermore, a shift toward sporadic, individual cases rather than large-scale clusters was clearly observed.
Conclusions: To ensure effective management of EHEC infections, it is crucial to strengthen public awareness regarding thorough cooking and personal hygiene. Furthermore, to identify the infection sources of sporadic cases, a surveillance and investigation system based on whole-genome sequencing should be implemented to pinpoint common risk factors.

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat that causes treatment failures and increases mortality. However, appropriate antimicrobial use and improved awareness can prevent most cases of AMR. This article highlights the importance of awareness-building in preventing and managing AMR. It also introduces international examples of efforts to raise awareness of AMR and summarizes key national awareness-raising activities.
Methods: A comprehensive review of major international websites, extant literature, national public awareness campaigns, AMR prevention materials, and recent survey findings on public awareness and behaviors was conducted.
Results: The awareness survey revealed a persistent gap between knowledge about antibiotic use and actual behavior. Nevertheless, a positive trend was observed: exposure to information that raises awareness resulted in tangible behavioral changes. In particular, healthcare professionals are highly trusted; thus, expert recommendations represent a valuable foundation that can direct citizens toward appropriate practices. This finding suggests that proactive expert-led communication should accompany public information dissemination to effectively prevent AMR.
Conclusions: AMR is a preventable public health threat. Systematic and sustained awareness-raising activities can establish a critical foundation that promotes appropriate antibiotic use and reinforces national AMR response policies. The continued expansion of evidence-based, targeted communication strategies and multisectoral collaborations is essential for effective AMR prevention and control.