PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.36, September 11, 2025 Article TypePolicy NoteQuickStatsSurveillance Report

• Surveillance Report 2025-09-11

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  Epidemiological Characteristics of Syphilis in the Republic of Korea in 2024

  Eun-Young Kim , Sohee Han , Jeonghee Yu

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(36): 1343-1359 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.36.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Republic of Korea transitioned its syphilis surveillance system from sentinel to mandatory surveillance in 2024 and expanded reporting criteria. This study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and incidence of syphilis under the 2024 mandatory surveillance system.
  Methods: We analyzed data from 2,790 cases with confirmed syphilis and pathogen carriers reported through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s integrated surveillance system from January to December 2024.
  Results: The total number of syphilis cases in 2024 was 2,790, with an incidence rate of 5.4 per 100,000 population. By stage, early latent syphilis was the most common (1,220 cases, 43.7%), followed by primary syphilis (983 cases, 35.2%), secondary syphilis (524 cases, 18.8%), tertiary syphilis (51 cases, 1.8%), and congenital syphilis (12 cases, 0.4%). Males and females accounted for 2,177 (78.0%) and 613 (22.0%) cases, respectively, with the incidence rate in males (8.5 per 100,000) being 3.5 times higher than that in females (2.4 per 100,000). Cases were concentrated in those in their 20s (853 cases, 30.6%) and 30s (783 cases, 28.1%), with the highest incidence occurring in those in their 20s (14.0 per 100,000). The capital area had the most cases (1,631, 58.5%). The monthly occurrence peaked in July (274 cases), and imported infections accounted for 117 cases (4.2%).
  Conclusions: Syphilis occurrence in 2024 showed traditional epidemiological patterns, with cases concentrated in males in their 20s and 30s. Continuous surveillance and epidemiological investigations are necessary to establish evidence for syphilis prevention policies, requiring systematic approaches balance privacy protection with public health objectives.

• Policy Note 2025-09-11

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  History and Achievements of the Tuberculosis Epidemiological Response Team at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

  Jieun Kim , Sunmi Han , Seongju Choi , Jiae Shim , Seungeun Lee

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(36): 1360-1370 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.36.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease transmitted via aerosols containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis from patients with TB. Contact investigations are conducted to prevent the transmission of TB. Since 2013, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has operated the TB Epidemiological Response Team to support the identification, screening, and management of contacts in congregate settings where TB cases occur. This study aims to describe the background of the team’s establishment, the evolution of its roles, and the key outcomes achieved.
  Methods: Relevant literature on TB contact investigations (TBCIs) was reviewed. National guidelines and policy documents were also analyzed.
  Results: TBCIs in the Republic of Korea were initiated using national guidelines in 2004 and reinforced by government funding to local public health centers from 2009 onward. In 2013, the KDCA established the TB Epidemic Intelligence Service comprising 28 professionals to lead national-level investigations. As the criteria tightened and the scope expanded, the investigation burden on central authorities increased. To mitigate this problem, phased decentralization began in 2019, culminating in a fully localized TBCI system by 2023. Between 2013 and 2024, 39,707 investigations were conducted in congregate settings, covering 1,403,735 contacts and identifying 1,966 TB cases early.
  Conclusions: The transition to municipality-led TBCIs increased the effectiveness of contact management and local transmission control. The KDCA continues to support local capacities through training and technical assistance. To strengthen the system further, standardized contact definitions, updated guidelines, and structured evaluation frameworks are required to ensure a more precise and sustainable approach for TBCIs.

• QuickStats 2025-09-11

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  Trends in the Prevalence of Hypercholesterolemia, 2014–2023

  Seungyeon Wi

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(36): 1371-1372 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.36.3

  

  

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