PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.13 No.1, January 02, 2020 Article TypeEpidemiology and SurveillanceNoncommunicable Disease Statistics

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2020-01-02

  0 131 21

  Reorganization of National Notifiable Infectious Diseases Classification System

  Kim Yeon Hee, Kwon Donghyok, Lee Dong han

  Public Health Weekly Report 2020; 13(1): 2-7

  Abstract

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  To prevent and control the occurrence of infectious diseases, manage epidemics and improve public health in Korea, the 「Communicable Diseases Act」 was passed in 1957, and the first classification system of national notifiable infectious diseases was created. The classification system is periodically revised as new pathogens emerge and the incidences of diseases decrease. To respond to the emergence of novel infectious diseases and changes in the pattern of infectious diseases, a ‘Group’ system (Groups 1-2-3-4) was established in 2000 to classify national notifiable infectious diseases. After the 2015 MERS outbreak in Korea, there was a need for a new classification system and a new management system for infectious diseases for the public health crisis response. Through a revision of the 1957 law, a reorganization of the 'Grade' system (Grades 1-2-3-4) that categorizes 86 types of infectious diseases by severity, transmission rate, quarantine level, and declaration time of the disease was implemented on January 1, 2020. Regarding the timing of declaration, Grade 1 infectious diseases must be reported 'immediately', and Grade2 and 3 infectious diseases must be reported 'within 24 hours'.
  Furthermore, the penalties for violating declaration time were strengthened. The reorganization of the national notifiable infectious disease classification system aims to improve awareness of infectious diseases among the public and medical practitioners. Consequently, it is expected that the national infectious disease management system will be strengthened.

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2020-01-02

  0 224 31

  2020 Guide to ‘Quarantinable Disease Risk Areas’

  Choi Go-Eun, Son Tae-Jong, Kim Gueum-Chan

  Public Health Weekly Report 2020; 13(1): 8-17

  

  

  Abstract

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  To prevent the inflow of emerging infectious diseases and to protect people from domestic and global health threats, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) designates ‘quarantinable disease risk areas’ twice a year and conducts quarantine inspections of passengers (both nationals and foreigners) from high-risk areas.
  Passengers (regardless of citizenship or nationality) are advised to check the most recent ‘quarantinable disease risk areas’ guide before departure. In addition, passengers are encouraged to submit a health questionnaire to a quarantine officer of the National Quarantine Station if they have passed through ‘quarantinable disease risk areas’ (i.e. those adjacent to a MERS-risk area).
  From January 1, 2020, the number of ‘quarantinable disease risk areas’ (i.e., those adjacent to a MERS-risk area) has shifted from 66 to 65 countries. This article introduces the quarantinable diseases and the number of countries they are in; cholera, 19; plague, 2; yellow fever, 42; avian influenza, 1; Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), 10; and polio, 9, respectively.
  
  ^*Some countries have overlapping areas with ‘quarantinable disease risk areas’

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2020-01-02

  0 183 55

  Hepatitis C Awareness Survey Results and the Development of a Self Checklist

  Kim Sung nam, Ahn Yeong Seo, Bahk Hyun Jung, Lee Hyung Min, Lee Si Won

  Public Health Weekly Report 2020; 13(1): 18-26

  

  

  Abstract

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  Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection. In its acute phase, 70% of the symptoms are asymptomatic and, therefore, difficult to detect. Furthermore, the level of hepatitis C awareness among the general Korean population is low. Because hepatitis C is curable by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and early detection is very important, research projects to improve the public’s awareness and understanding of hepatitis C are critical. This study’s ‘Hepatitis C Awareness Survey’ collected data from 1,000 adult males and females ages 19 to 80 across Korea, as well as that of 120 medical professionals (physicians and nurses) working in the Seoul metropolitan area. The study investigated the recognition rate of hepatitis C, the prevention behavior of hepatitis C, and the promotion of hepatitis C prevention. The study was conducted from July 24 to August 19, 2019, by the Korea Social Research Institute (KSOI).
  According to the findings, the recognition rate of hepatitis C among the general Korean public was 34.0%, a significant increase from 10% in 2009, but the recognition rate was still low compared to recognition rates of hepatitis A (72.8%) and B (79.3%). Even among medical professionals, only 39.2% had treated or cared for patients with hepatitis C. Regarding the prevention behavior of hepatitis C, 46.8% of the non-medical respondents said they often share personal hygiene products (such as razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes) with others, and 17.9% of the non-medical respondents reported that they had undergone unlicensed procedures (such as injections, acupuncture, tattoos, and piercings). To understand more about the early detection of hepatitis C, the self checklist was developed based on real-life behaviors that expose people to hepatitis C. This study recommended that the self checklist be distributed widely and utilized effectively to alert the public to the importance of hepatitis C prevention and early detection.
  As part of the ‘National Hepatitis Management Plan’, established in 2019, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) plans to push ahead with an early detection hepatitis C project from 2020. Furthermore, in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 goal of combatting viral hepatitis, Korea will actively participate in the effort to combat hepatitis C.

• Noncommunicable Disease Statistics 2020-01-02

  0 85 19

  Trends in bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), 2008-2018

  Public Health Weekly Report 2020; 13(1): 27-28

  

  

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