PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.14 No.18, April 29, 2021 Article TypeCOVID-19 Vaccine IssueEpidemiology and SurveillanceNoncommunicable Disease Statistics역학조사보고서

• COVID-19 Vaccine Issue 2021-04-29

  0 354 173

  Status of adverse reactions after COVID-19 vaccination in the Republic of Korea, February 26, 2021-March 25, 2021

  Hyun-kyung Oh, Yeon-kyeong Lee, Tae-eun Kim, Eun-ju Lee, Sook-kyung Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1092-1098

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread throughout the world after first being reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. As of now (April 6, 2021), there have been around 130,000,000 confirmed cases and 2,850,000 deaths. Countries have employed various strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as patient detection (diagnostic testing), patient and contact management, mask wearing, and social distancing, but due to continued new cases and spread, vaccines have become an important strategy for controlling COVID-19. Various countries invested efforts in developing and procuring COVID-19 vaccines, and on December 8, 2020, COVID-19 vaccination began for the first time in the world in the United Kingdom. However, unintended adverse effects can occur after vaccination, so each country has been evaluating the safety of the vaccines through strengthened monitoring. Monitoring of adverse events following COVID-19 immunization in South Korea is based on the standard monitoring system through which doctors report adverse events according to the Infection Disease Control and Prevention Act, as well as monitoring of individuals who agreed to receive texts to monitor adverse events during their immunization screening.
  COVID-19 vaccination began on February 26, 2021 in South Korea, and 773,262 individuals have been vaccinated in the first month (as of March 25, 2021). In total, 10,103 adverse events were reported. More reports of adverse events were made by women than by men, and more adverse events were reported by younger individuals. Almost all (98.8%; 9,982 cases) of the reported adverse events were general symptoms which may occur after vaccination (e.g., muscle aches or headaches). Muscle aches were the most common reported symptoms (60.7%), followed in order by fever (57.6%), headaches (39.2%), and nausea (20.7%).
  Only 2.8% (21,433) of the 773,262 individuals who received COVID-19 vaccination agreed to receive texts and responded to them. Of those individuals, 32.9% reported discomfort after vaccination, and younger respondents reported discomfort at a higher proportion. The main symptoms were pain in the injection site (26.9%), muscle aches (23.8%), fatigue (22.5%), headache (19.9%), chills (17.9%), and fever (16.4%).
  In South Korea, safe vaccination is promoted through immunization screening, monitoring of adverse events through various methods, rapid response and epidemiological investigations following adverse events, and national vaccine injury compensation program. To return to our daily lives, we should all actively participate in COVID-19 vaccination and monitoring of adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination.

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2021-04-29

  0 288 138

  Update: Current status and Characteristics of Variant Virus Outbreak in Korea in March 2021

  Kim Il-Hwan, Park Ae Kyung, Kim Heui Man, Lee Hyeokjin, Rhee JeeEun, Kim Eun-Jin, Kim Jia, Park Subin, Kim JungYeon, Gwack Jin, Kim SeungJin, Kim Young-Man, Lee Sang-Eun, Park YoungJoon

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1099-1118

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea, the government intends to evaluate the domestic situation and respond to variant viruses by checking current status, dynamics, and the clinical characteristics of the COVID-19 on a monthly basis. COVID-19 virus variant surveillance was conducted through full-length genome analysis and spike protein gene analysis for positive samples of confirmed cases related to various domestic outbreaks and imported cases.
  The epidemiological and clinical characteristics were analyzed using initial and in-depth epidemiological investigation results reported through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s (KDCA) COVID-19 information management system; the information system for managing confirmed patients (HIRAe), wired monitoring. Clinical characteristics such as severity and the occurred of group cases were analyzed.
  Among the number of confirmed cases during the March (13,288), 12.0% of isolates (1,589) was laboratory tested for identification of variants of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 113 accounting for 7.1% of the tested were confirmed as Variants of Concern (VOC). The rate of sequenced isolates of March were increased by 33% compared to that of Feburary. On the other hand, the detection rate of VOCs of March were decreased by 4.3% compared to that of February.
  A total of 330 patients of Variants of Concern (VOCs) have been confirmed in Korea to April 5, 2021. The 330 VOC cases were divided into three groups: 501Y.V1, 501Y.V2 and 501Y.V3. 280 cases (84.9%) having the 501Y.V1, 42 cases (12.7%) having the 501Y.V2 (VOC originating from the South Africa), and 8 cases (2.4%) having the 501Y.V3 (VOC originating from the Brazil).
  Among the 330 cases, there were 204 imported cases (61.8%). The patients’ average age was 38.1, By age group, people aged 71 cases (21.5%) each in their 20s, 30s. 233 cases (70.6%) were Korean nationals. 192 cases (58.2%) were symptomatic at diagnosis, 69 cases (20.9%) was mild respiratory symptoms with fever. Most symptoms of VOC patients in Korea were mild, but 9 of the 501Y.V1 (VOC originating from the UK), and 1 of the 501Y.V2 (VOC originating from the South Africa) patients were severe/critical (including one death). The rate of severe/critical symptoms was 3.0%, and the fatality rate was 0.3%.
  A total of 7 VOCs-related group cases were confirmed in March 2021, with 153 confirmed cases (32 laboratory confirmed cases, 121 epidemiological cases) lower than February 910 group cases, 195 confirmed cases [65 Laboratory confirmed cases, 130 epidemiological cases]). There were a total of 19 VOCs-related group cases and 394 confirmed cases (117 laboratory confirmed cases and 277 epidemiological related cases). By gender, there were 223 male cases (56.6%) and 78 female cases (19.8%) aged 20-29 years, and 128 (32.5%) cases were reported in Gyeonggi Province, followed by 120 cases (30.5%) reported in Ulsan Metropolitan City.

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2021-04-29

  0 308 139

  Analysis of Viral Shedding period among patients with 501Y.V1 in Korea

  Kim Jia, Park Subin, Kim JungYeon, Gwack Jin, Kim Jeong-Min, Jo Hye-Jun, Lee Nam-Joo, Kim Heui Man, Rhee JeeEun, Kim Eun-Jin

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1119-1138

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  After being confirmed as 501Y.V1 on September 20, 2020, about 125 countries have confirmed the 501Y.V1, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has become serious due to the 501Y.V3[1]. A total of 330 VOCs (Variant Of Concern) were confirmed by April 5, after the first case was confirmed in Korea in December 2020. Since January 2, 2021, the Central Disease Control Headquarters has been managing VOCs and suspects by applying "the enhanced case management guidelines" to prevent the inflow and spread of variant in Korea. Therefore, we decided to derive an appropriate isolation period based on scientific grounds for analysis, which accounts for guidance on discharging patients with 501Y.V1 in Korea.
  Except for factors such as severe/critical, death, etc. that may affect the viral Shedding period; 501Y.V1 group was selected for 78 and Non-501Y.V1 group for 311 (May, 2020). Further analysis was conducted on 522 501Y.V1 and 522 Non-501Y.V1 group (May, 2020) including 211 unconfirmed C_t values in PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests during isolation, 851 Non-501Y.V1 group (April, 2020) to comprised the difference between the Period of PCR Negative Conversion. The distribution of C_t values in PCR tests was similar during isolation between the 501Y.V1 group and the Non-501Y.V1 group (May, 2020), and within five days of symptoms or confirmed date, 10 samples with C_t value (RdRp) below 24.68 were negative, and the remaining 30 samples were negative.
  In addition, the median was 30 days for 501Y.V1 group, 33 days for Non-501Y.V1 group (April, 2020) and 26 days for Non-501Y.V1 group (May, 2020) with differences in the distribution of infection routes. The difference in Period of PCR Negative Conversion is expected to take into account the impact of patient characteristics (such as underlying disease and age) according to infection routes rather than infection with COVID-19 variant.
  The analysis is meaningful in that it has been able to lay the groundwork for clinical-based guidance on discharging patients as a way to manage patients with the 501Y.V1 by confirming that the Viral Shedding period of the 501Y.V1 is no different from the Covid-19. In the future, it is necessary to establish a scientific evidence-based strategy to respond to VOCs by continuously analyzing the epidemiological and clinical information of patients with 501Y.V2., 501Y.V3. as well as from the 501Y.V1.

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2021-04-29

  0 244 119

  Results of the National Respiratory Infectious Disease Surveillance, 2020

  Jeong Su Yeon, Lee Gye Hee, Park Su Jin, Jeon Hyeong Il, Kim Eun Young, Park Chung Min, Song Jeong Suk, Lee Dong Han

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1139-1149

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) monitors and manages 87 infectious diseases according to the 「INFECTIOUS DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION ACT」. Strong prevention measures, which affected not only the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) but also other respiratory infectious diseases, began after the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in January 2020.
  From January to December 2020, respiratory infectious diseases (Category Ⅱ) decreased 59% compared to the previous year and 63% compared to the average during the past three years (2017-2019). Acute respiratory infections (Category Ⅳ) decreased 76% compared to the previous year and 72% compared to the average during the past three years (2017-2019). Furthermore, the spring (March-April) epidemic of the 2019-2020 influenza season did not manifest and the influenza epidemic ended on March 27, 12 weeks earlier than in the 2018-2019 influenza season. Influenza like illness (ILI) diagnoses per 1,000 visits during the 2020-2021 influenza season were below the epidemic standard (5.8) of 1-2 ILI diagnoses per 1,000 visits, so there was no winter epidemic.
  This study estimated that the decrease in respiratory infectious diseases in Korea in 2020 was the result of strict control measures established in response to COVID-19 such as hand and respiratory hygiene, mask wearing, maintaining social distance, online classes and a decrease in international travel.

• Epidemiology and Surveillance 2021-04-29

  0 421 200

  Estimation of Excess Mortality Associated with Influenzas in Korea

  Park Chungmin, Park Sujin, Lee Gyehee, Cheun Hyengil, Song Jeongsuk, Lee Donghan, Jeong Hyesun, Kim Changsoo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1150-1161

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Influenza has been reported to cause significant social and economic loss due to high morbidity and high mortality among high-risk groups. Influenza is an infectious disease subject to sentinel surveillance which identifies the outbreak and epidemic patterns through relevant medical institutions and is different from mandatory surveillance which identifies all outbreaks and deaths. Therefore, as a method of confirming influenza-related deaths, the excess mortality rate is estimated mainly through time-series analysis and five such studies were conducted in Korea. This review found that number of excess deaths by influenza season in Korea was approximately 2,300 to 5,300 per year on average in one study that used data from Statistic Korea and about 532 to 913 in one study that analyzed data on patients registered with the Korean National Health Insurance Service. In all studies, the excess mortality rate was high among those over 65 years of age.

• 역학조사보고서 2021-04-29

  0 429 194

  2020 report of Dengue fever and Zika virus infections in Korea: An epidemiological investigation

  Park Sun Young, Park Kyeong Eun, Park Sook Kyung

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1162-1167

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Dengue fever and zika virus infection are acute febrile infections caused by dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), respectively. It is generally accepted that mosquitoes transmit the viruses to the human body. Although rare, transmission through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and needle stick injury have been also reported in overseas.
  Although rare, transmission through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and needle stick injury have been also reported in overseas.
  In Korea, most dengue fever and zika virus infections have been reported by overseas travelers. However, in 2020, we found dengue fever and zika virus infection cases with no overseas travel history. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) conducted epidemiological investigations on these two cases and the results are described as below.
  Case 1, dengue fever patient reported in January 2020, was a health care worker without recent overseas travel history. She presented dengue like symptoms, such as fever, rash, and diarrhea and PCR and serological tests for dengue were both positive. Epidemiological investigation indicated that the infection might be transmitted by a needle stick injury when she provided care to a patient with dengue-like symptoms after returning from Thailand.
  Case 2 was a zika virus infection case and reported in February 2020. The patient presented fever, rash, as well as arthralgia and ELISA test (IgM) was positive for zika virus infection. The patient had no travel history to zika outbreak countries, but epidemiological investigation found that the transmission is related to his work since he had dealt with highly concentrated zika viruses at laboratory without proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  Although most dengue and zika virus infections are reported from overseas travelers in Korea. we found that infections can occur among healthcare and laboratory workers. Therefore, it is important to determine the source and route of infection through timely reporting and rapid epidemiological investigation.
  Based on its findings, this study recommended that HCWs and laboratory workers, who are at high risk of exposure to dengue or zika infection, should be aware of the precautions when dealing with needles or viruses. In addition, it is critical that healthcare facilities and laboratories should educate and train on preventative measures, such as standard precautions and PPE to protect workers and prevent from spreading infections at the facilities.

• Noncommunicable Disease Statistics 2021-04-29

  0 208 126

  Trends in proportion of Korean adolescents engaged in physical activities, 2009-2020

  Public Health Weekly Report 2021; 14(18): 1168-1171

  

  

  Full Text Cite Share