PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.19 No.2, January 15, 2026 Article TypeOriginal ArticlesOutbreak ReportsQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2026-01-15

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  Overview of Tuberculosis Cases Reported in 2024 in the Capital Region: Seoul Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon State

  Sojung Kim , Yun Choi , Hyemin Jang , Hyewon Jo , Jihye Choo , Hyunmi Kim , Kyungwon Hwang

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(2): 31-60 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.2.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Following up on 2023 analyses, this study re-evaluated tuberculosis incidence patterns in the Capital Region (Seoul Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon State) using the latest 2024 data. These findings serve as foundational data to guide effective tuberculosis management strategies centered on high-risk groups.
  Methods: This study obtained and analyzed data from the National Tuberculosis Integrated Information System (2015–2024). These analyses focused on high-risk groups: the elderly (≥65 years), foreign nationals, Medical Aid beneficiaries, and drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Incidence rates per 100,000 population were calculated using population data from Korean Statistical Information Service.
  Results: In 2024, 8,035 tuberculosis cases were reported in the Capital Region (a 7.7% decrease from 2023), continuing a steady quantitative decline. Within this trend, pronounced structural changes were identified: the proportions of the elderly (51.8% to 52.2%) and foreign nationals (7.8% to 8.4%) increased. Incidence among Medical Aid recipients (141.7 per 100,000) was 5.3-fold higher than that among Health Insurance beneficiaries (26.5). The proportion of multidrug/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis was 2 .8% (national: 2.6%), which was 3.3-fold higher among retreatment cases (6.2%) than among new cases (1.9%). Notably, the incidence among the elderly in Gangwon State (137.6) was markedly higher than that in the Seoul metropolitan area (94.1).
  Conclusions: Although tuberculosis case notifications in the Capital Region continued a 10-year decreasing trend, the proportions of the elderly (≥65 years) and foreign nationals continued to rise. This trend, driven by population aging and an influx of foreign workers from high-tuberculosis -burden countries, combined with group-specific vulnerabilities, justifies the targeted programs implemented since 2024 (e.g., “Tuberculosis Awareness for Foreign Workers” and “Tuberculosis Prevention for Seniors [Gangwon State]”). Future efforts must expand these tailored management systems to other vulnerable groups, such as the homeless, Jjokbang residents, and undocumented migrants, to establish a comprehensive and integrated care network.

• Surveillance Reports 2026-01-15

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  Reported Cases of Cold-related Illnesses in Daegu and Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea, 2019–2025

  Yumi Seo , Sanghui Kweon *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(2): 61-76 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.2.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: We assessed the impacts of climate change on cold-related illness occurrence patterns during winter to provide foundational data for developing community-based prevention strategies, focusing on the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions.
  Methods: Data from the Cold-Related Illness Emergency Department Surveillance System of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency spanning six winter seasons (2019–2020 to 2024–2025) were analyzed. Number of patients, cases per 100,000 people, time of onset, place of occurrence, type of occurrence, and clinical outcomes were examined within the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions for patterns related to region of occurrence, and compared with nationwide data to identify regional characteristics.
  Results: During the six assessed winter seasons, 2,217 cold-related illnesses were reported nationwide. Daegu reported 43 cases (0.30 per 100,000 population) and Gyeongbuk reported 223 cases (1.43 per 100,000 population). Most cases occurred outdoors, between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m., with number of cases per 100,000 individuals being markedly higher among older adults. In particular, reported cases among the ≥90-year age group in Gyeongbuk was 17.54 per 100,000 population. Hypothermia accounted for 75.8% of all cases and the mortality rate was 2.3%.
  Conclusions: Despite global warming, cold-related illnesses during winter cold waves continue to occur, with health impacts concentrated among the elderly population. Region-specific risk factors should be reflected in tailored response measures, and prevention-oriented surveillance systems need to be strengthened.

• Outbreak Reports 2026-01-15

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  Characteristics of a Measles Outbreak in a Pediatric Hospital in the Honam Region, 2025

  Seungjin Kim , Eun-young Kim , Seo Young Kim , Soi Yun , Yeong-Un Lee , Jieun Yun , Sungsoon Shim , Hyekyung In

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(2): 77-91 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.2.3

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: In March 2025, a measles outbreak was reported at A Children’s Hospital in the Honam region, triggered by an unvaccinated child who had recently traveled to Vietnam. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics, transmission dynamics, and immunity status of healthcare workers, providing evidence for the future prevention of hospital-based measles transmission.
  Methods: According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency “Measles Response Guidelines (2024)”, suspected cases were defined and confirmed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Data from the National Infectious Disease Surveillance System were used to construct an epidemic curve, calculate serial intervals and attack rates, and evaluate measles-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositivity using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay among 334 healthcare workers from 12 hospitals.
  Results: Nine confirmed cases were identified, with up to four generations of transmission. The primary case was an unvaccinated child from a multicultural family with a travel history to Vietnam, and subsequent infections occurred among healthcare workers and caregivers. The overall IgG seropositivity among healthcare workers was 80.2%, with the lowest (64.0%) observed in the 25–34-year age group. Active isolation and surveillance successfully prevented community transmission.
  Conclusions: This outbreak highlights the potential for imported measles to spread within healthcare facilities. Strengthened vaccination management for multicultural families and travelers, early recognition and isolation in hospitals, and regular monitoring of healthcare workers’ immunity are crucial to preventing future outbreaks.

• Original Articles 2026-01-15

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  Current Status and Associated Factors of Dental Caries in the Republic of Korea Assessed Using the 2024 Korea National Children’s Oral Health Survey

  Hae-Eun Shin , Yoonjung Kim , Jihye Lee , Gyeongji Woo , Seungyeon Wi , Kyungwon Oh

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(2): 92-108 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.2.4

  Abstract

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  Objectives: In this study, using data obtained in the 2024 Korea National Children’s Oral Health Survey, we sought to assess the prevalence of caries in primary teeth (prevalence of dental caries experienced and prevalence of active dental caries) at 5 years of age and permanent teeth at 12 years of age. In addition, we aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence of caries in permanent teeth at 12 years of age.
  Methods: The study included 7,746 five-year-old (4,237 boys and 3,509 girls) and 12,309 12-year-old (6,660 boys and 5,649 girls) children. Comparisons of the levels of caries based on subject characteristics were performed using complex sample cross tabs, and factors associated with the prevalence of caries were analyzed using complex sample regression analysis.
  Results: According to the 2024 Korea National Children’s Oral Health Survey, the prevalence of experiencing primary caries among 5-year-olds was 58.3%, and the prevalence of active primary caries was 25.3%. Comparatively, the prevalence of primary and permanent caries among 12-year-olds were 60.3%, and 7.3%, respectively. In addition, we found that the prevalence of permanent caries differed according to gender, use of dental sealants, dental treatment in the past year, preventive treatment in the past year, frequency of carious snack consumption, and subjective oral health status. Moreover, the prevalence of permanent caries differed with respect to unmet dental treatment needs in the past year, as well as dental pain and discomfort during the same period. Factors associated with the prevalence of caries included gender, use of dental sealants, dental treatment in the past year, frequency of carious snack consumption, and subjective oral health status.
  Conclusions: It is necessary to manage oral health considering the complex factors that contribute to the development of dental caries at ages 5 and 12.

• QuickStats 2026-01-15

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  Trends in the Proportion of People Who Skipping Breakfast, 2015–2024

  Leena Yoon

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(2): 109-110 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.2.5

  

  

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