PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.49, December 18, 2025 Article TypeOriginal ArticlePolicy NoteSurveillance Report

• Surveillance Report 2025-12-18

  0 214 50

  Surveillance of Chigger Mite Populations in the Republic of Korea in 2024

  Hyeon Seung Lee , Jung-Won Ju , Hee-Il Lee

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(49): 1969-1984 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.49.1

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: Chigger mites are the primary vectors of scrub typhus in the Republic of Korea (ROK), with their larval activity peaking in autumn. Their occurrence is influenced by climatic factors and closely associated with human cases, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and analysis. This study examined the distribution of chigger mites to provide baseline data for vector monitoring, prevention, and control.
  Methods: Surveillance was conducted for 16 weeks (August 29–December 18, 2024) at 18 sites nationwide using mite traps. Four environments ( grassland, waterway, rice paddy, and field) were surveyed using five traps each (20 traps per site). Their density was measured as the mean number of individuals per trap (trap index) for comparison.
  Results: In total, 3,114 mites (15 species and 5 genera) were collected. Neotrombicula kwangneungensis was the dominant species (753; 24.2%). The mean trap index was 0.54, showing decreases of 35.7% vs. 2023 (0.84) and 28.9% vs. 2020–2022 (0.76), respectively. The increase in chigger mite occurrence was also delayed by approximately 1–3 weeks.
  Conclusions: The activity of chigger mite larvae was most vigorous within a specific temperature range. As a result, their emergence tended to occur later at lower latitudes. These findings suggest that the survival, growth, and activity of chigger mite larvae are closely associated with climatic factors. Furthermore, the number of scrub typhus cases increased approximately 1–3 weeks after the increase in larval density, which is consistent with the incubation period of the disease. These findings highlight the fact that ongoing climate change in ROK may increase vector populations and the risk of vector-borne diseases, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and continuous surveillance.

• Surveillance Report 2025-12-18

  0 697 264

  Status of Notifiable Infectious Diseases Reporting in the Republic of Korea: 2024 Surveillance Report

  Jin Ha , Shinjung Song , Jeongyun Park , Noori Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(49): 1985-2001 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.49.2

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: To analyze data collected through the National Infectious Disease Surveillance System to provide information on infectious disease outbreaks and deaths for use in infectious disease prevention and management.
  Methods: On June 26, 2025, the status of infectious disease outbreaks and deaths reported in 2024 was analyzed and announced, based on the reporting scope and criteria for each statutory infectious disease.
  Results: In 2024, 40 of 66 infectious diseases under surveillance were reported, whereas 26 remained unreported. The number of reported infectious diseases under surveillance is 171,376, a significant decrease from 5,626,627 in 2023. However, excluding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and syphilis, which had fluctuations in infectious disease levels between 2023 and 2024, the number increased by 54.5% from 109,087 in 2023 to 168,586 in 2024. The major infectious diseases that showed an increase were pertussis, scarlet fever, chickenpox, and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections, and those that decreased were mumps, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and hepatitis A. Reported imported infectious diseases in 2024 totaled 606, including dengue fever, primary syphilis, malaria, chickenpox, and hepatitis C. The number of deaths reported in 2024 was 1,238, excluding tuberculosis, which is an 18.2% increase compared to that of 2023, when excluding COVID-19 deaths 2023; with the major infectious diseases being CRE, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and pneumococcal infection.
  Conclusions: The statutory infectious disease surveillance system can be used to produce basic data and develop policies for infectious disease prevention and management.

• Original Article 2025-12-18

  0 0 0

  The Need for and Strategy to Introduce a Qualification System for Infection Control Personnel to Establish Infection Control Infrastructure in Vulnerable Facilities

  Arim Kim , Yoonseon Park , Shin Hee Hong , Juyeong Lee , Jacob Lee , So Yeon Park , Manhee Kim , Yunmi Kang , Eunjung Kim , Heejung Son , Joong-Sik Eom

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(49): 2002-2024 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.49.3

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: This study examined the need for establishing a national qualification system for Infection Control Personnel based on the National Competency Standards (NCS). This study aimed to address the absence of standardized infection control practices in vulnerable facilities by exploring systemic alternatives for enhancing on-site acceptability.
  Methods: This study employed a two-phase qualitative research design. First, the core job competencies for infection control were identified using the NCS framework. In the second phase, a grounded theory approach was employed to develop a theoretical model capturing stakeholder perceptions. Focus group interviews were conducted with 18 key stakeholders, including facility managers and policymakers. Data were analyzed using NVivo software (version 20).
  Results: Grounded theory analysis revealed a core preference for a system-centered approach rather than individual personnel qualifications. Stakeholders attributed infection control deficiencies to systemic limitations such as low leadership awareness and resource constraints, rather than to a lack of individual competency. Consequently, the establishment of new qualifications was perceived as an inefficient administrative burden. Instead, stakeholders proposed strengthening internal accountability through mandatory training for facility directors and leveraging external support systems such as external expert dispatch programs and advisory networks.
  Conclusions: Strengthening the infection control infrastructure in vulnerable facilities requires multidimensional system improvements prior to creating new personnel qualifications. While a qualification system is necessary, it should be introduced in the expansion phase. This approach must include mandatory leadership education, the utilization of external professional resources, and integration with existing evaluation systems. This study provides key policy recommendations to build a sustainable and practical infection control framework.

• Policy Note 2025-12-18

  0 162 41

  Advisory System for Infection Control in Small- and Medium-sized Hospitals and Clinics: Policy Results and Strategic Proposal

  Jinyoung Kwon , Hyunjeong Kim , Saerom Choi , Jacob Lee , Joong Sik Eom , Jaewoo Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(49): 2025-2036 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.49.4

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: The advisory system for infection control in small- and medium-sized hospitals and clinics, developed in 2012, aims to establish effective infection control programs. In this study, we analyzed policy results from 2012 to September 2025 and proposed further improvement strategies.
  Methods: The advisory system operates through regional networks and offers on-site consultations, training programs, and consultations via an online platform. Operational evaluations measure participation and satisfaction using specific indicators for each service modality.
  Results: Platform membership has grown consistently, reaching 14,106 cumulative members by September 2025, alongside increased participation in on-site consultations. Participant satisfaction remained high, with >80% satisfied with online consultations during the last 3 years.
  Conclusions: The system has accumulated over 10 years of policy experience, strengthening the infection control capabilities of small- and medium-sized hospitals and applying tailored programs. Future efforts should enhance regional networks and reinforce the role of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and local governments.

• Policy Note 2025-12-18

  0 238 23

  Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Infectious Disease Big Data: Opening, Integration, Outcomes, and Future Directions

  Jinhwa Jang , Hyojun Ju , Gyeong Hee Song , Minju Kim , Gyuho Hwang , Jonghyeon Park , Seong Sun Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(49): 2037-2057 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.49.5

  

  

  Abstract

  Full Text Cite Share

  Objectives: The recurring emergence of novel infectious diseases highlights the need for evidence-based policies grounded in real-world data. This study aimed to examine the strategies of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) in establishing and opening up infectious disease big data and to analyze their policy implications.
  Methods: The KDCA developed the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID19-National Health Insurance Service (K-COV-N) cohort by linking coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and vaccination records with the National Health Insurance Service data, providing access to researchers since 2022. In 2024, the Infectious Disease Big Data Platform was launched, releasing standardized and anonymized datasets for 64 notifiable diseases. In addition, the Infectious Disease Statistics Dashboard and open application programming interface via the Public Data Portal have enhanced accessibility for both researchers and the public.
  Results: These open data resources have enabled diverse studies, including vaccine effectiveness evaluation, risk analysis for vulnerable populations, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (long COVID) research, and assessment of healthcare system impacts. Furthermore, they bridged research and policy practices, supporting the transition toward preventive health policies and strengthening infectious disease response capacity.
  Conclusions: The infectious disease big data initiatives of the KDCA have functioned as a core infrastructure for evidence-informed policy-making. Integrating additional domains, such as chronic diseases, national health surveys, injuries, and genomics, and applying artificial intelligence-enabled deep analytics and prediction will provide a stronger foundation for protecting population health and enhancing national health security.