Gyeonggi-do Declares Emergency for Rotavirus and RSV in Postpartum Care Centers and Neonatal Rooms

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province has ordered the strengthening of infection prevention management against 'rotavirus' and 'respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)' in postpartum care centers, neonatal rooms, and infant care facilities.

Rotavirus and RSV infections are legally designated infectious diseases. They occur continuously from winter to early spring and are easily transmitted through contact with infected individuals or respiratory droplets.

According to the report status from sample surveillance institutions in the province, 57 patients were confirmed to be infected with rotavirus in the past four weeks, of which 36 patients aged 0-6 accounted for 63%. Additionally, a total of 1,033 patients were confirmed to be infected with RSV, with 951 patients aged 0-6 accounting for a high rate of 92%.

Accordingly, the province has ordered strict compliance with preventive measures to prevent additional infections and outbreaks, including ▲ handwashing before and after contact with newborns and adherence to preventive rules to prevent further spread ▲ proper disinfection using appropriate disinfectants and methods when handling vomit from rotavirus-infected patients ▲ thorough environmental management of group facilities such as restricting entry of staff or visitors with respiratory symptoms.

A provincial official urged, "Since the virus continues to be shed for about one week after the onset of rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus symptoms, and the infectivity is high, if confirmed or epidemiologically linked cases occur, please isolate them separately from asymptomatic children and report immediately."