PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.17 No.8, February 29, 2024 Article TypePolicy NotesPublic Health IssuesSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2024-02-29

  0 73 121

  National Surveillance and Response to Possible and Suspected Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Cases in the Republic of Korea, 2022

  Sangeun Lee, Su-Yeon Lee, Sang-Gu Yeo

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(8): 295-314 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.8.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is an acute respiratory infection transmitted mainly through camels and individuals infected with the MERS-CoV. It was first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and is predominantly prevalent in the Middle East. By 2022, there were 341 possible cases of MERS in the Republic of Korea. The winter months of January and February contributed to 30.2% (103 cases) of all reports in 2022, followed by a decrease; however, an increase was observed during the second half of the year. This is presumed to be attributed to the simultaneous response policy to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and MERS implemented in December 2021, the international easing of COVID-19 prevention measures, an increase in travelers from the Middle East, and seasonal factors. Among the 341 possible MERS cases reported in 2022, 122 suspected MERS cases classified as underwent MERS testing with no confirmed cases. Moreover, to efficiently prevent the influx of MERS, along with COVID-19 prevention measures during the quarantine stage, a simultaneous response policy to COVID-19 and MERS was implemented in December 2021. Suspected MERS cases were transferred to quarantine facilities within the quarantine station for simultaneous testing for COVID-19 and MERS, replacing the previous practice of conducting tests after transfer to hospitals. This convenience appears to have led to the proactive reporting and surveillance of possible MERS symptoms at the quarantine stage. Therefore, we propose further analyses on the convenience of conducting MERS tests at quarantine facilities and their impact on MERS surveillance. This information can be actively utilized in the development of new MERS surveillance systems.

• Surveillance Reports 2024-02-29

  1 146 48

  The Incidence and Characteristics of Out-of-Hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest in the Gyeongnam Region, the Republic of Korea in 2021

  Hae In Lee, Soo-Jung Park

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(8): 315-331 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.8.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  This study was aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (OHCA) events in the Gyeongnam region using results from the Korean Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. In 2021, we completed curation of data from the medical records of 30,041 patients with OHCA. Among these, 5,491 records for patients in the Gyeongnam region were analyzed. A recent increase was noted in the incidence of OHCA among Gyeongnam residents, and the rate of survival and neurological recovery decreased over the past 6 years (2016 to 2021). In addition to patients being discharged alive from the hospital after sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), it is important for patients to be able to lead a normal life. Overall, 1,326 patients (4.0% of 33,041 patients) experienced good neurological outcomes. Of these, 202 patients (15.2% of 1,326 patients) were from the Gyeongnam region. For most patients, sex, age, arrest place, cause of cardiac arrest, witnesses, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and return of spontaneous circulation were correlated with good neurological outcomes. In particular, the rate of bystander CPR was lower in Gyeongnam region than the overall. Strengthening the capacity to quickly respond to emergency situations in the event of SCA may help improve the survival rate and SCA prognosis in Gyeongnam region in the future.

• Policy Notes 2024-02-29

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  National Reference Laboratories for Infectious Diseases Accreditation System and Results of Operation

  Seung Geun Lee, Ok-Kyu Park, Jae Sun Park, Gab Jung Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(8): 332-344 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.8.3

  

  

  Abstract

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  Pursuant to Article 16-2 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Act No. 19419), the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is an agency for the identification of infectious disease pathogens. It is difficult for private medical institutions to carry out the identification of Class 1 infectious diseases, which are infectious diseases imported from foreign countries. The KDCA conducts diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. Additionally, to obtain test results that the public can trust, we have established and are operating a National Reference Laboratory Accreditation System (NRLAS) for infectious diseases. The verification of its capabilities as a national reference laboratory is conducted through an accreditation committee composed of internal and external experts. From 2019 to the present, a total of 20 types of infectious diseases have been recognized through the NRLAS, which presents standards for infectious disease laboratory testing. The KDCA plan to continue efforts to improve the inspection reliability by standardizing the overall inspection work.

• Public Health Issues 2024-02-29

  0 678 180

  Rare Disease Day

  Jimin Kim, Jiwon M. Lee

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(8): 345-350 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.8.4

  

  

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  Rare diseases require long-term treatment and management because disease-related information is limited. Furthermore, their causes and symptoms are very complex, which make full recovery and cure very challenging. Accordingly, annual celebrations are held to strengthen patients’ and families’ will to overcome and improve awareness of rare diseases among the public and policymakers. In 2008, the European Organization for Rare Diseases established the last day of February as “World Rare Disease Day” and has been conducting an annual campaign. The Republic of Korea also changed the Rare Disease Day to the same day as World Rare Disease Day through a law amendment in 2023. The year 2024 is significant. It will be the first time we celebrate the “Rare Disease Day” anniversary on the last day of February. A commemorative event and symposium will be held on this day to reflect its meaning.