PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.19 No.4, January 29, 2026 Article TypeOriginal ArticlePolicy NotesQuickStatsSurveillance Report

• Surveillance Report 2026-01-29

  0 13 5

  Analysis of Vector Mosquito Control Status Using Insecticide Purchase Data from Public Health Institutions in the Republic of Korea (2019–2023)

  Chang-Won Jang , Gi-Hun Kim , Sun-Ran Cho , Hee-Il Lee *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(4): 173-187 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.4.1

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: Mosquitoes transmit various diseases worldwide. In the Republic of Korea, they spread malaria and Japanese encephalitis, while dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus are concerns abroad. To protect public health, health institutions nationwide carry out mosquito control activities. This survey aims to provide foundational data for the safe and biorational use of mosquito control agents by analyzing purchase and usage trends from 2019 to 2023.
  Methods: The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency analyzed mosquito control agents purchased by national health institutions over five years, categorized by substance type, growth stage, and raw material.
  Results: On average, 94.0% of agents were chemical substances and 6.0% were biorational, such as microbial pesticides. Adult-targeted agents accounted for 74.1% and larval agents 25.9%. Pyrethroids were the most commonly used. While chemical and adult-targeted agents remain dominant, the proportion of biorational and larval control agents slightly increased in 2023 compared to 2019.
  Conclusions: Although annual differences were not statistically significant, the results suggest a gradual shift toward environmentally friendly mosquito control using safer substances.

• Original Article 2026-01-29

  0 29 8

  Study of Infectious Disease Response Capabilities of Metropolitan Area Local Governments Following the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

  Junseock Son , Jae-Hyun Park , Jong-Ho Park , Sungnam Kim , Kyungwon Hwang

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(4): 188-216 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.4.2

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the current status of infectious disease response personnel and organizations in local governments within the Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gangwon). This survey was designed to foster development of infectious disease prevention and management plans and to strengthen response capabilities. Herein, we present the results of a survey on infectious disease response capabilities at local government levels including city, county, and district levels within the metropolitan area, that are facing unique administrative and physical challenges following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
  Methods: We conducted a survey using 42 detailed indicators and targeting infectious disease response personnel belonging to infectious disease response units in city, county, and district governments to investigate their infectious disease response capacities.
  Results: Infectious disease management in local governments within the metropolitan area operates under a “team” structure, subordinate to “department” in over 50% of cases. More than 50% of the infectious disease response department staff were either full-time or dedicated. Significant differences were identified between the local governments within the region regarding the composition of city, county, and district infectious disease patient transfer councils and the proportions of professional civil servants and physicians responding to infectious diseases.
  Conclusions: Local government infectious disease team leaders are expected to play significant roles in maintaining and managing infectious disease response capabilities. Furthermore, policies are required to reduce the differences between regions, local governments within a region, and indicators with high coefficients of variation. Ongoing investigations into infectious disease response capabilities are necessary. The data reported herein can serve as a foundation for policy development.

• Policy Notes 2026-01-29

  0 14 6

  Operational Outcomes and Future Directions of a Joint Public-private Infection Control Simulation Training Program

  Hyunjeong Kim , Jinyoung Kwon , Si-Hyeon Han , Kyung-Sook Cha , Saerom Choi , Jaewoo Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(4): 217-229 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.4.3

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the operational outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of a newly implemented joint public-private infection control simulation training program. This initiative was designed to strengthen the collaborative capacity between healthcare facilities and local governments to effectively respond to healthcare-associated infection outbreaks.
  Methods: The simulation training involved 10 sessions, with a total of 422 participants, comprising 263 healthcare personnel and 159 local government officials. Scenarios and manuals were developed to reflect the domestic healthcare environment. Evaluation methods included quantitative pre- and post-training surveys and qualitative assessments from an operational workshop. Statistical analyses employed paired t-tests and, where appropriate, the Wilcoxon test.
  Results: All 422 participants completed the simulation training. Post-training assessments indicated statistically significant improvements in participants' knowledge, which increased from 10.0 (±1.4) to 10.5 (±1.0); perception competency, which increased from 4.5 (±0.5) to 4.7 (±0.4); and performance competency, which increased from 3.4 (±0.8) to 4.0 (±0.7). The overall satisfaction rate averaged 4.7 points. Qualitative workshop assessments confirmed that facilitators played a crucial role in moderating discussions, enhancing situational comprehension, and guiding problem-solving.
  Conclusions: The simulation training, facilitated by skilled moderators, significantly enhanced participants' knowledge, perception, and performance competencies. Based on these findings, future improvements should focus on refining scenarios to better delineate the roles of local governments, diversifying courses to address practical needs, and enhancing the operational systems for facilitators.

• QuickStats 2026-01-29

  0 19 6

  Trends in the Proportion of the Population Consuming More than 500 g of Fruits and Vegetables Per Day, 2016–2024

  Soyeong Yeon

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(4): 230-231 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.4.4

  

  

  Full Text Cite Share