PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.17 No.16, April 25, 2024 Article TypeQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2024-04-25

  1 349 87

  Entomological Surveillance of Malaria Vector Mosquitoes in the Republic of Korea, 2023

  Bo Gyeong Han, Hyun-Il Shin, Hyun Woo Kim, Jung-Won Ju, Hee-Il Lee

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(16): 647-661 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.16.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  The Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency operates a malaria vector (Genus Anopheles) surveillance system to provide warnings and alerts. Surveillance was conducted at 36 sites in Incheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon-do, and 14 sites in military bases from April to October 2023. In 2023, the trap index (TI) (number of mosquitoes/traps/days) was 72.4, a 29% decrease from the average of TI past 5 years (2018–2022) and a 2.7% increase from 2022. The TI was Gyeonggi-do (1,761), Incheon-si (593), and Gangwon-do (496), whereas the incidence rates of Anopheles was Gyeonggi-do (58.9%), Gangwon-do (37.5%), and Incheon-si (18.5%). The occurrence pattern of Anopheles showed two peaks: the first at week 26 (9.2) and the second at week 34 (8.1). The 26th-week peak was attributed to Gyeonggi, whereas the 34th-week peak was attributed to all regions. Plasmodium vivax was detected in mosquitoes, totaling 3 pools (minimum infection rate 0.2) at week 28 (1 pool) and week 36 (2 pools). This marked a 2-pool increase compared to 2022 and was detected 9 weeks earlier. And an alert was issued based on the positivity of P. vivax in Anopheles at week 28. Additionally, in 2023, malaria cases were observed to increase by approximately 75% compared to 2022, and the TI and minimum infection rate were also confirmed to have increased. Ultimately, as part of the intervention to reduce malaria in endemic areas, it is necessary to strengthen surveillance and focus on mosquito control and personal protection.

• Surveillance Reports 2024-04-25

  1 210 88

  Preventive Responses to Avian Influenza Human Infection in the Republic of Korea, 2022–2023

  Hyoseon Jeong, Su-Yeon Lee, Sang-Gu Yeo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(16): 662-672 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.16.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Avian influenza (AI) infection in humans caused by AI viruses, such as H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 is classified as a Category I National Notifiable Infectious Disease in the Republic of Korea (ROK). It manifests as an acute respiratory infection in patients who are exposed to infected birds or contaminated environments. This report describes the response outcomes of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) to prevent the occurrence of AI infection in humans during the 2022–2023 season. In preparation for the 2022–2023 season, the KDCA operated the ‘Central AI Infection in humans Response Task Force’ and enhanced the capabilities of the local AI response personnel. Collaborative systems with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, were strengthened and response guidelines were revised to incorporate the latest opinions. During the 2022–2023 season, highly pathogenic AI H5N1 cases were detected, including 75 cases of H5N1 in poultry and 174 cases in wild birds. Individuals classified as high risk for human infection, including culling participants, farm workers, and AI response personnel, totaled 6,373 individuals. Among them, six suspected cases have been reported. However, all the test results were negative, indicating that there were no confirmed cases of human infection in the ROK. To address the escalating risk of human infections in humans, the KDCA affirms its commitment to continually enhance both the central and local response frameworks. Furthermore, efforts will be directed towards reinforcing cross-agency collaborative systems based on a One Health approach.

• QuickStats 2024-04-25

  0 162 175

  Trends in the Intake of Sodium, 2013–2022

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(16): 673-674 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.16.3

  

  

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