PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.5, February 06, 2025 Article TypeNotes from the FieldPolicy NotesQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2025-02-06

  0 333 34

  Antibiotic Use Analysis in Long-term Care Hospitals in the Republic of Korea

  Shin-Young Lee , Yong-Chan Kim , Dong-Sook Kim , Seung-Hee Seo , Seung-Yun Kim , Na-Ri Shin

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(5): 225-243 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.5.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Patients in long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) are vulnerable to infections and are frequently prescribed antibiotics; however, the inappropriate use of antibiotics is common, leading to a high risk of developing resistance. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency conducted a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of antibiotic use and surveyed doctor’s perceptions in domestic LTCHs from 2020 to 2022. The survey results showed that LTCHs had the highest antibiotic usage among the various healthcare institutions, with a 28.1% increase in usage from 2020 to 2022. Moreover, the appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions for patients was low at only 35.2% (252/715). Due to inadequate awareness of antibiotic use, many LTCHs doctors have expressed a strong demand for proper antimicrobial stewardship. Since LTCHs lack personnel and infectious disease diagnosis infrastructure necessary to perform antimicrobial stewardship programs, customized antibiotic use guidelines for LTCHs are needed.

• Notes from the Field 2025-02-06

  0 525 37

  Streptococcus suis Human Infection: the Need for Establishing a Multisectoral Collaborative Response System

  Hye Young Lee , Seoyul Choi , Dongseok Yang , Hyunok Park , Min Jung Lee , Insun Joo , Sangmyung Lee , Hye Jeong Yun , Jinhee Yu , Jeong Ran Kwon , Yuna Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(5): 244-259 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.5.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  This report presents a case of Streptococcus suis meningitis identified in Chungcheongbuk Province, Republic of Korea, in August 2024, and proposes strategies for establishing a multi-sectoral collaborative response system at the regional level. S. suis is a zoonotic pathogen commonly found in pigs. In this case, transmission was suspected to have occurred through the consumption of pork sausage and occupational exposure on a pig farm, prompting an epidemiological investigation. However, owing to insufficient scientific evidence, a causal relationship between the risk factors and the disease cannot be established, and the transmission route remains inconclusive. During the response process, multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Institute of Chungbuk Provincial Veterinary Service and Research, collaborated. Nevertheless, limitations arose due to inadequate information-sharing systems and a lack of clearly defined roles among agencies, which hindered swift responses. Notably, the premature disposal of human specimens prevented serotype comparison between human and environmental samples, highlighting a significant gap in the multi-sectoral collaboration framework. Upon discharge, the patient continued to work on a pig farm, maintaining ongoing exposure to pigs. Therefore, strict education on the use of personal protective equipment and hygiene maintenance in pig farming facilities is emphasized. This case underscores the critical importance of establishing a multi-sectoral collaborative response system and rapid information-sharing platform at the regional level. It serves as a key reference for enhancing preparedness and response to zoonotic infections that are not yet included in national surveillance systems.

• Policy Notes 2025-02-06

  0 477 29

  National Procurement of Influenza Vaccine: Bidding and Supply Method Improvement

  Suyeon Jeong , Minjeong Kim , Kueyoung Lee , sanggyun Jeong , Joonku Park *

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(5): 260-273 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.5.3

  Abstract

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  This report examines improvements in the bidding and supply methods for the National Influenza Vaccination Support Program, focusing on key changes and their outcomes during the 2022–2023 season. The previous mixed bidding system, combined with the individual private purchase method, led to imbalances in vaccine supply and administrative inefficiencies. To address these issues, the vaccine supply method was unified into a pre-supply system and the bidding process was transitioned to a competitive model based on desired quantities from vaccine manufacturers and importers. These improvements ensured supply stability, reduced administrative burdens, and enhanced the cold chain and safety measures during vaccine redistribution. As a result, the number of failed bids decreased, the time required for bidding and contracting processes were shortened, and regional vaccine supply imbalances were addressed. However, some limitations remain, such as the continued application of the individual private purchase method in certain areas, which requires further improvement. This report evaluates the limitations of the current supply method and suggests strategies for enhancing the vaccine supply system to improve stability and efficiency.

• QuickStats 2025-02-06

  0 55 16

  Trends in the Prevalence of Perceived Stress, 2014–2023

  Yukyeong Kang

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(5): 274-275 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.5.4

  

  

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