PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.18 No.8, February 27, 2025 Article TypeQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Surveillance Reports 2025-02-27

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  Designation of Infectious Disease Management Organizations and Status of Medical Response Resources in 2024

  So-Yeon Kim , Su-Jeong Hwang , Moon-Seon Choi , Ji-Young Park , Yeong-Ju Kim , Na-Yeon Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(8): 361-383 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.8.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  The aim of this report is to identify the medical response capabilities of infectious disease management organizations through a designation and medical response resource analysis and provide basic data for the efficient use of resources in the event of an emerging infectious disease crisis. The status of the designation of infectious disease management organizations and medical response resources (hospital beds, medical personnel, and equipment), as well as the installation of infectious disease management facilities, was analyzed. As of June 30, 2024, the number of infectious disease management organizations was 159, a decrease of 118 (42.6%) compared with number of organizations in the third quarter of 2023 (277). The total number of negative pressure beds was 1,052, and the number of ventilators was 4,156 units. Further, 236 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation units and 562 continuous renal replacement therapy units were identified, along with 139 infectious diseases, 218 respiratory diseases, and 28 pediatric infections. Of the 1,052 negative-pressure isolation beds, 457 (43.4%) were owned in the capital region, and most of the medical equipment and specialist personnel were concentrated there; therefore, a difference in the distribution of resources between regions was evident. A difference was observed in the status of medical response resources per 1,000,000 individuals by region. Regional differences in medical resources per 1,000,000 individuals were noted, particularly in Gyeongbuk region, which had the fewest resources compared to other regions. To efficiently utilize resources during an infectious disease crisis, improving the designation and management systems of infectious disease management organizations is necessary, as is establishing a cooperative system among local infectious disease management organizations at the regional level.

• Surveillance Reports 2025-02-27

  0 291 28

  Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Related Measures during Hajj Period in the Republic of Korea: Results of Strengthened Measures in 2024

  Sang Hyuk Lee , Sang-Gu Yeo , Bryan Inho Kim , Ja Eun Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(8): 384-396 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.8.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) has been imported into various countries since the initial detection in 2012. The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, in which millions participate could increase the risk of MERS transmission. Accordingly, in 2024, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) established a response system to prevent potential MERS introduction during the Hajj period. This study summarizes the KDCA’s MERS prevention measures, focusing on screening and surveillance activities conducted from June 20 to July 9, 2024, before and after the arrival of pilgrims, respectively. Out of 90 pilgrims, 3 exhibited fever and respiratory symptoms upon entry and were classified as suspected MERS cases. Test results confirmed negative outcomes for both MERS and coronavirus disease 2019, with two individuals testing positive for rhinovirus and one for influenza A. Additionally, 22 suspected MERS cases were reported in the community level, all of whom tested negative for MERS. The KDCA will continue to strengthen its surveillance system for pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj pilgrimage. This report provides an overview of the enhanced measures and outcomes during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance and effective response systems to reduce the potential risk of MERS introduction due to the large-scale gatherings, such as the Hajj pilgrimage.

• QuickStats 2025-02-27

  0 85 18

  Trends in Prevalence of Obesity, 2014–2023

  Seungyeon Wi

  Public Health Weekly Report 2025; 18(8): 397-398 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2025.18.8.3

  

  

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