PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.13, April 03, 2025 Article TypeOutbreak ReportsPolicy NotesQuickStats

• Outbreak Reports 2025-04-03

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  Outbreak and Response to Pertussis in a Mental Care Facility in Gyeongbuk, the Republic of Korea

  Minjei Lee , Chungmin Park , Myung-Jae Hwang , Sookhyun Kim , Hyunuk Lee , Chanyoung Kim , Sungjun Park , Sookhee Park , Sang Yun Cho

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(13): 525-544 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.13.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: In 2024, the number of pertussis cases increased significantly worldwide, including Republic of Korea (ROK). This report summarizes a pertussis outbreak involving 58 confirmed cases at a psychiatric institution in OO, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK, from September 4 to November 1, 2024 and aims to provide insights for future prevention and control measures.
  Methods: An epidemiological investigation targeting both residents and staff members was conducted at the psychiatric institution to assess the outbreak. Cases were defined as individuals who tested positive for Bordetella pertussis using polymerase chain reaction during the study period. The investigation included mass screening, daily symptom monitoring, isolation, prophylactic antibiotic administration, and vaccination. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on symptoms, underlying conditions, and vaccination histories.
  Results: On September 4, 2024, the first case of pertussis was confirmed through pneumonia screening at another institution, leading to the identification of 58 total cases. The main symptoms included cough (87.9%) and vomiting (5.2%), while 12.1% of cases were asymptomatic. The outbreak primarily affected the second floor, with shared space usage identified as a major transmission factor. Communication barriers hindered symptom recognition and vaccination verification. However, preventive measures, including antibiotics and vaccination, helped minimize further transmission. No additional cases were reported until the end of the surveillance period on November 1, 2024, confirming the successful containment of the outbreak.
  Conclusions: Effective pertussis control in vulnerable facilities requires verifying vaccination records, administering booster doses when necessary, and implementing proactive screening. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and infection control measures.

• Policy Notes 2025-04-03

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  Results of the 2024 Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Crisis Management Response Training

  Eun-Mi Park , Hyojin Hur , Bryan Inho Kim , Sang-Gu Yeo *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(13): 545-559 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.13.2

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This study analyzes the results of the 2024 Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Disease Crisis Management Response Training program and proposes improvements for future training.
  Methods: Training evaluation consisted of institutional assessments by metropolitan and provincial governments, individual assessments of trainees, and a satisfaction survey.
  Results: In 2024, the training was conducted with a focus on the metropolitan and provincial governments. Sixteen regions, including 480 institutions and 1,334 participants, participated in the training program.
  Conclusions: Based on the training results for 2024, it is necessary to enhance training efficiency by simplifying the evaluation criteria and streamlining training operations.

• QuickStats 2025-04-03

  0 211 161

  Trends in the Prevalence Gap of Monthly Drinking between Cities or Provinces, during 2015–2024

  Yoon-sil Ko

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(13): 560-561 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.13.3

  

  

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