PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.43, November 06, 2025 Article TypeQuickStatsSurveillance Report

• Surveillance Report 2025-11-06

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  Pertussis Surveillance and Occurrence Report in the Republic of Korea: from 2024 to the First Half of 2025

  Hye-Jin Kim , Young Joon Park , Dongkeun Kim , Jihee Lee , Yun Kyoung Kim , Soonryu Seo , Jin Seon Yang , Yeoeun Yun , Eunbyeol Wang , Subin Park , Seo Yeon Ko , Jin Lee , Jeeyeon Shin , Wookeon Lee , Seonhee Ahn

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(43): 1631-1651 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.43.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Since 2024, the number of pertussis cases in the Republic of Korea has rapidly increased, resulting in a nationwide outbreak. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and trends associated with this foutbreak, examined its potential causes, and described the public health responses implemented to date, to provide foundational evidence to inform future policy development.
  Methods: Data were obtained from January 2024 to June 2025, and included case notifications from the surveillance and immunization systems of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, individual case investigation forms, and outbreak reports. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patient age, regional distribution, clinical symptoms, outbreak status, and vaccination status.
  Results: From January 2024 to June 2025, a total of 52,651 pertussis cases were reported: 5,497 in the first half of 2024, 42,551 in the second half of 2024, and 4,603 in the first half of 2025. The incidence peaked in July 2024, declined briefly, then increased again in November before gradually decreasing in 2025. School-aged children and infants under one year of age accounted for 84.6% and 0.3% of cases, respectively. One death was reported. In 2024, 30.5% of reported cases were linked to outbreak clusters, most of which occurred in schools (97%).
  Conclusions: The 2024 outbreak affected school-aged children and adolescents, highlighting the need for stronger community surveillance. To protect high-risk groups including infants and pregnant women, vaccination coverage must be increased. Ongoing monitoring of resistant strains and related species, and sustained interagency collaboration are essential.

• Surveillance Report 2025-11-06

  0 221 19

  Trends and Associated Factors of Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity among Adults Based on the Korea Community Health Survey Data

  Yoon-Sil Ko , Dohyun Park , Hyo-Jeong Bae , Yun-Mi Hwang , Eunkyeong Kim , Chansoo Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(43): 1652-1670 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.43.2

  

  

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  Objectives: Physical activity is a critical public health strategy for preventing chronic diseases and enhancing mental well-being, contributing to an improved quality of life and increased healthy life expectancy. This study aimed to examine the trends and associated factors of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Korean adults and to suggest policy implications for improving health behaviors.
  Methods: We analyzed data from 229,242 adults aged 19 years or older who participated in the 2024 Korea Community Health Survey. MVPA status was set as the dependent variable, and sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors were set as independent variables. Associations between variables were examined using the chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression. Trends over time and regional distribution of MVPA rates were explored using descriptive statistics. All analyses were conducted using SAS 9.4, which incorporates a complex sample design.
  Results: In 2024, the MVPA rate was 26.6%, showing a gradual recovery after coronavirus disease 2019 but remaining below the pre-pandemic level. The MVPA rate was higher in rural areas than in large cities, and younger male were more likely to engage in MVPA. Adults in their 20s were 2.1 times more likely to engage in MVPA than those aged 70 years or older; male were 1.7 times more likely than female; and workers in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries were 2.2 times more likely than the unemployed. Higher MVPA rates were also observed among individuals without chronic diseases or depressive symptoms.
  Conclusions: The MVPA is influenced by both individual behaviors and social determinants such as sex, age, occupation, and health status. Addressing these disparities requires tailored strategies, supportive environments, and population-specific interventions.

• Surveillance Report 2025-11-06

  0 194 261

  Results of the 2024–2025 Winter Cold Injury Surveillance

  Mina Oh , Geumju Song , Daeshik An , Younjhin Ahn

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(43): 1671-1687 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.43.3

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This report presents in-depth analytical data to guide preparations for and responses to increased occurrence of cold injuries resulting from sudden temperature changes and increased cold snaps caused by climate change.
  Methods: Since 2013, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency ( KDCA) has been operating its Cold Injury Surveillance System to monitor occurrences of cold injuries. Data is collected from approximately 500 hospitals’ operating emergency rooms in the Republic of Korea every winter (December to February of the following year). The 2024–2025 Seasonal Cold Injury Surveillance System receives daily reports of patients with cold injuries from 514 participating emergency rooms nationwide. These reports are submitted 24/7 through the Cold Injury Surveillance and Management System. The KDCA then identifies key characteristics of these illnesses, such as hypothermia and frostbite, and provides daily updates at 16:00 on its website.
  Results: During the monitoring period, 334 cases were reported, including eight presumed deaths. This represents 16.5% (66 patients) and 33.0% (4 deaths) decreases compared to the previous year (400 patients and 12 deaths). Those aged 65 years and older accounted for 54.8% (183 cases) of cold injuries occurrences and 87.5% (7 deaths) of fatalities. Hypothermia was the most common diagnosis, representing 80.2% (268 cases) of all cold injuries and 87.5% (7 deaths) of all fatalities.
  Conclusions: Based on the high incidence and mortality rates of cold injuries among the elderly aged ≥65 years during this season, preventative measures will be aimed at this demographic. Methods will also be sought to enhance the efficacy of the 2025–2026 Cold Injury Surveillance System and increase the utility of its analysis results.

• QuickStats 2025-11-06

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  Trends in the Prevalence of Diabetes, 2014–2023

  Seungyeon Wi

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(43): 1688-1689 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.43.4

  

  

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