[Report] Although the COVID Endemic Has Arrived... Epidemiological Investigators Preparing for 'Infectious Disease X'

Important Task 'Epidemiological Investigation' to Prevent Further Spread During New Infectious Diseases
"Not Easy Due to Infected Person's Defense Mechanism, Verbal Abuse Also Frequent"

Quiet Screening Clinic Ahead of the Upcoming COVID-19 Endemic
[Image Source=Yonhap News]

In early May, the COVID-19 quarantine period will be reduced from 7 days to 5 days, and by July, the quarantine requirement will be lifted. As the risk level of COVID-19 decreases in its fourth year, countries around the world, including the United States and Japan, are announcing similar schedules. However, the emergence cycle of new infectious diseases is shortening, from SARS (2003) → H1N1 influenza (2009) → MERS (2015) → COVID-19 (2020). When an unknown new infectious disease appears, epidemiologists are tasked with the critical mission of identifying the cause and preventing its spread. To prepare for the inevitable arrival of 'Infectious Disease X,' what kind of training are epidemiologists at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency undergoing?

When a new infectious disease appears, epidemiologists must trace the movements of infected individuals, just as they did in the early days of COVID-19. At this time, honest answers from confirmed patients are crucial. Lee Sang-won, Crisis Response Analyst at KDCA, said, "Confirmed patients sometimes provide false statements due to a defense mechanism, fearing that others around them might be harmed because of them." In May 2020, during the early stages of COVID-19, a private academy instructor in Incheon who tested positive after visiting Itaewon clubs gave false information about their movements, which led to a surge of additional infections in various places. One of the epidemiologists' roles is to reassure infected individuals by emphasizing that "sensitive personal information will never be exposed externally."

Harsh Interview Training Process... Real Situations in the Field

Epidemiologists must undergo rigorous training to interview infected individuals in real field situations. Wearing Level D protective suits is physically demanding, but the mental strain is often greater. At KDCA, assuming the next infectious disease after COVID-19 is 'Corona27,' journalists acted as infected individuals named Mr. A for a 15-minute epidemiological investigation training session.

The scenario for the new infectious disease is as follows: On March 1, 2027, the first new infectious disease (Corona27) since COVID-19 was reported, and the world is trembling in fear due to lack of information. Corona27 presents symptoms of COVID-19 plus vomiting, with 2,238 confirmed cases worldwide. In South Korea, 23 cases were reported, with 4 deaths (a fatality rate of 17.4%). As an epidemiologist, one must thoroughly investigate Mr. A’s personal information such as name and residence, presence and type of symptoms, date of onset, underlying diseases, testing reasons, overseas travel, contact with confirmed cases, locations of cluster outbreaks, and other suspected infection routes and contacts. However, Mr. A is also fearful and anxious, reluctant to speak due to concerns about causing harm to those around him.

Hypothetical Epidemiological Investigation Scenario [Image provided by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

Mr. A refused to speak or gave false statements about his movements, saying, "I'm sorry to those who might be harmed because of me," and "Will this be reported in the media like during COVID?" He also struck objects with his fists and shouted. Epidemiologists are trained not to respond confrontationally to Mr. A’s angry words and actions but to understand and reassure him. Since such incidents frequently occurred in the early days of COVID-19, this training helps epidemiologists build experience to avoid psychological trauma.

Health researcher Kim Young-man said, "Sometimes parents verbally abuse epidemiologists when their child tests positive," adding, "In such cases, it is crucial to calmly explain that the investigation is not to harm the child but to help." Epidemiologist Ryu Bo-young said, "Infections can occur not only from confirmed cases but also from failure to follow preventive measures, and infections can be unintentional. The more unknown infectious diseases become known to the world, the harder the initial investigation becomes." Training also included practicing donning and doffing Level D protective suits to prevent infection during the epidemiological investigation. Although putting on and taking off the suits is complicated, it is very important to avoid contaminating oneself and the surrounding environment with infectious viruses during this process.

Practice of Donning and Doffing Level D Protective Clothing
[Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

Lee Sang-won, Crisis Response Analyst, said, "As contact with wild animals increases worldwide, there are likely many pathogens transmitted between humans and animals, known or unknown. Because international travel is unrestricted, the cycle of new infectious diseases is shortening and their transmission speed is accelerating. Although the COVID endemic is approaching, epidemiologists are committed to running until their shoes wear out in preparation for Infectious Disease X."