PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.17, April 30, 2025 Article TypeOriginal ArticlesQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2025-04-30

  0 568 161

  The Republic of Korea 2023–2024 Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Laboratory Surveillance Report

  SangHee Woo , Nam-Joo Lee , Jaehee Lee , Jee Eun Rhee , Eun-Jin Kim *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(17): 641-653 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.17.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: The study aim was to examine the detection patterns of respiratory virus circulation in the Republic of Korea from week 36 of 2023 to week 35 of 2024, with a focus on characterizing influenza viruses. The purpose of this study was to support the selection of vaccine strains and strengthen public health preparedness.
  Methods: Respiratory specimens were collected from 18,040 symptomatic individuals using a national sentinel surveillance network. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing was performed to identify the causative respiratory pathogens. For influenza viruses, further analyses were performed to assess genetic similarity with the vaccine strains, antigenic characteristics, and antiviral resistance.
  Results: Influenza viruses were detected in 15.1% of specimens, with the following subtype distributions: A(H1N1) pdm09 (41.7%), A(H3N2) (29.3%), and B type (29.1%). The genetic analysis showed that the circulating strains belonged to phylogenetic groups similar to the current vaccine strains. Further, no mutations associated with resistance to antiviral drugs (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir, and Peramivir, Baloxavir) were identified. The antigenic analysis confirmed effective neutralizing activity against the vaccine strains. Among respiratory viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was the most frequently detected (15.1%), followed by rhinovirus (14.9%), adenovirus (9.9%), parainfluenza virus (5.6%), respiratory syncytial virus (5.0%), human metapneumovirus (4.2%), human coronavirus (3.8%), and bocavirus (3.2%).
  Conclusions: The continuous surveillance of influenza and respiratory virus trends is essential to inform vaccine strain selection and enhance public health response strategies. Our division will conduct continuous surveillance of the epidemiological trends of respiratory viruses, including influenza, and ensure the timely provision of data for public health interventions.

• Original Articles 2025-04-30

  0 566 144

  Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey – Follow-up (KNHANES-F) Survey Items and Implementation Plan

  Hyunjin Park , Bomi Park , Sun Ha Jee , Hyesook Park , Yunjung Choi , Kyungwon Oh

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(17): 654-673 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.17.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) is a nationally representative health survey with significant impact on policy and public health. To maximize its impact, a follow-up survey (KNHANES-F) is required to analyze long-term health trends and disease causality. This study is performed with intent to establish a survey system follow-up to KNHANES, and to develop survey items and implementation strategies for effective operations.
  Methods: Survey items and implementation plans were developed through a literature review, expert consultations, and institutional discussions.
  Results: The KNHANES-F conducts both passive follow-up through linking to secondary data, and active follow-up via direct surveys. Participants from the 10th KNHANES (2025–2027) will be recruited over a three-year period, and follow-up surveys will be conducted annually starting in 2026 after the 2025 baseline survey to track long-term health changes for more than a decade. The target population, aged 10–59 years, will be divided into children (102 items), adolescents (317 items), and adults (386 items), and questionnaires will be tailored to reflect age-specific characteristics. The primary data collection method will be online self-administered surveys, with core items assessed annually, and supplementary modules conducted every three years. Strategies to maintain follow-up rates include establishing dedicated communication channels, offering participant incentives, and implementing dropout prevention measures.
  Conclusions: This study will establish a foundation for the KNHANES-F, enabling long-term analysis of health behaviors, chronic disease incidence, and policy efficacy, with the ultimate aim of contributing to public health promotion, disease prevention, and evidence-based policymaking.

• QuickStats 2025-04-30

  0 187 106

  Trends in the Prevalence of Hypertension, 2014–2023

  Gyeongji Woo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(17): 674-675 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.17.3

  

  

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