PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.17 No.45, November 21, 2024 Article TypeOriginal ArticlesSurveillance Reports

• Original Articles 2024-11-21

  0 244 24

  Trends and Gaps in Climate Change and Health Research in the Republic of Korea

  Joo-Yeon Hwang , Jonghyuk Choi , Ho-Jang Kwon , Younjhin Ahn

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(45): 1927-1940 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.45.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  This study presents a comprehensive review of published literature on climate and health research to assess current trends, gaps, demands, and priorities. A review of existing studies in the Republic of Korea reveals a notable lack of research on the physical and mental health effects, both direct and indirect, of extreme weather events and climate-related disasters such as localized torrential rain, floods, typhoons, landslides, and wildfires. Furthermore, there is limited research on climate vulnerability (including vulnerable groups and regions), climate health adaptation, and the evaluation of policy effectiveness. The need for modeling studies to predict future outcomes and prevent potential harm was also highlighted. To enhance a climate-resilient health system, we propose the development of sustainable strategic plans, including the identification of new indicators and the expansion of assessment areas. These findings will be actively utilized in public communication efforts, particularly in the context of the second climate health assessment.

• Surveillance Reports 2024-11-21

  1 268 25

  Laboratory Surveillance of Waterborne and Foodborne Infectious Disease Causing Bacteria in the Republic of Korea (2019–2022)

  Mooneui Hong , Eundyung Shin , Junyoung Kim , Jaeil Yoo *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(45): 1941-1955 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.45.2

  

  

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  From 2019 to 2022, bacterial pathogens causing acute diarrhea in the Republic of Korea were analyzed to understand trends and provide foundational data for response strategies. A total of 41,227 stool samples from patients with diarrhea were collected and analyzed, resulting in the identification of 6,974 bacterial pathogen strains (16.9%). The main pathogens were Salmonella spp. (1,272 isolates, 18.2%), pathogenic Escherichia coli (1,934 isolates, 27.7%), and Campylobacter spp. (732 isolates, 10.5%). Annual analyses showed high isolation rates of Salmonella spp. and pathogenic E. coli in 2020 and 2021, whereas the isolation rate of Campylobacter spp. increased by 2022. The monthly analysis indicated the highest isolation rates from June to August, peaking at 26.0% in August. The highest isolation rates were observed in the 0–9 years (37.0%) and >60 years (33.2%) age groups. Males had a higher isolation rate (53.8%) than females (46.2%). This study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology and risk factors of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases by providing essential data for effective prevention and response strategies.

• Surveillance Reports 2024-11-21

  0 67 8

  Investigation of the Distribution of Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) Occurring in the Republic of Korea from 2023 to 2024

  Gi-hun Kim , Sun-Ran Cho , Hee-Il Lee *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(45): 1956-1970 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.45.3

  

  

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  Bed bugs are ectoparasites, and approximately 110 species belonging to 24 genera have been reported globally. Three species of bed bugs are used for human blood-feeding: Cimex lectularius, Cimex hemipterus, and Leptocimex bouetii. It is believed that the bed bug population was continuously reduced in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and then eradicated in 1945. However, C. lectularius has recently been reported by travelers or US military units stationed in the ROK. C. hemipterus has not been observed since it was first reported in 1934. However, it was recently reported at a house in Osan. In this study, we attempted to survey distribution of bed bugs to confirm the species identification and analyze their genetic diversity. To identify the bed bug species, morphological and molecular identification were performed. Adults can be identified using morphological characteristics. Whereas, larvae and nymphs can be identified by molecular methods, because their morphological characteristics are unclear. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by sequencing cytochrome oxidase I to analyze genetic diversity. As a result of the study, two species of bed bugs were identified living in the ROK, and C. hemipterus was mainly collected. While C. hemipterus was confirmed to have a single genotype, three genotypes of C. lectularius were confirmed. The results of this study may be used as a baseline for bed bug monitoring and control in the ROK.