PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.19 No.5, February 05, 2026 Article TypePolicy NotesQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2026-02-05

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  Epidemiological Characteristics of Pertussis in the Chungcheong Region in the Republic of Korea in 2024: Focusing on Sex and Outbreak Patterns

  Yeong-Jun Song , So-Dam Lee , Yuna Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(5): 233-252 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.5.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: Following a rise of pertussis incidence in the Chungcheong region in 2024, this surveillance report analyzed the region’s individual and epidemic cases. The analysis aims to provide baseline data for pertussis prevention and response policies.
  Methods: We identified the epidemiological characteristics of individual cases of pertussis, number of patients and contacts, and mean epidemic period of pertussis outbreaks reported through the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Integrated Disease Information System from January 1 to December 31, 2024.
  Results: In 2024, a total of 4,318 patients with pertussis were reported in the Chungcheong region, corresponding to a crude incidence rate of 78.0 per 100,000 population. Most cases occurred in winter, and the majority were male (2,471 cases, 57.2%). The highest incidence was observed among children aged 7–12 years (1,854 cases, 42.9%) and adolescents aged 13–18 years (1,823 cases, 42.2%), indicating high proportions in school-age groups. Pertussis incidence by sex differed significantly by age group and vaccination history. A total of 219 outbreaks occurred, with a mean patient number of 9.8 (range: 2–48), mean contact number of 90.8 (range: 2–1,068), and mean outbreak duration of 69.6 days.
  Conclusions: Analysis of individual and epidemic cases of pertussis from this surveillance report can contribute to pertussis prevention through education and outreach targeting school-age populations.

• Surveillance Reports 2026-02-05

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  Intake of Dietary Sugar in the Republic of Korea: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

  Soyeong Yeon , Jihye Lee , Sungha Yun , Kyungwon Oh

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(5): 253-267 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.5.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the trends in total sugar intake among Korean and assess its current status.
  Methods: Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2023, we analyzed the trends in total sugar intake and major food sources among Koreans. Excessive sugar intake was defined as an intake exceeding 20% of the recommended total daily energy intake from sugar.
  Results: The total sugar intake decreased from 67.9 g in 2016 to 59.8 g in 2023, and the proportion of individuals intaking excessive sugar intake also decreased during this period (19.2% vs. 16.9%). The major sources of sugar were beverages, teas, and fruits. People aged 10–49, with high total sugar intake consumed a high proportion of beverages and teas. The sugar intake from beverages, teas, and fruits of individuals who consumed excess sugar was over three times higher than that of those with sugar consumption less than 20% of their total energy.
  Conclusions: The Korean total sugar intake has reduced. Total sugar intake is largely from beverages, ice cream, and snacks which have high added sugar. Therefore, continuous efforts are needed to reduce intake of such food items with high added sugar.

• Policy Notes 2026-02-05

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  Introduction to the Revised Standard Operating Procedures of the Institutional Review Board at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

  So Yeon Park , Ji Min Lim , Soon Young Son , Eun Kyo Kwak

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(5): 268-283 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.5.3

  

  

  Abstract

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  Objectives: To introduce the revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) Institutional Review Board (IRB) and provide practical guidance to support researchers in complying with bioethics regulations and efficiently submitting review applications.
  Methods: Based on the Bioethics and Safety Act and its enforcement regulations, we systematically organized the key contents of the revised SOPs, including IRB composition, review types and procedures, required documents, and important considerations for researchers.
  Results: The KDCA IRB played a crucial role in reviewing the research protocols before study implementation to ensure the protection of research participants’ rights and welfare as the highest priority. The 2025 revised guidelines systematically specify the IRB composition and authority, clarify review types and procedures, and establish a Data Subcommittee to address ethical issues in big data and artificial intelligence research. Three types of reviews were conducted based on the risk level and characteristics of the research: regular, expedited, and exempt reviews. All the review processes were integrated using the e-IRB system.
  Conclusions: The revised SOPs incorporated additional provisions for the systematic operation of the KDCA IRB and included detailed practical information to assist researchers in submitting and proceeding with IRB applications. This establishes a foundation for supporting researchers’ compliance with bioethics regulations and effectively responding to the evolving research environment.

• QuickStats 2026-02-05

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  Trends in the Prevalence of Perceived Stress, 2015–2024

  Yukyeong Kang

  Public Health Weekly Report 2026; 19(5): 284-285 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2026.19.5.4

  

  

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