January 19 to February 18: Rapid Response to Increasing Trends of Waterborne and Foodborne Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)... Personal Hygiene Management Essential, COVID-19 Vaccination Recommended for Those Aged 65 and Over and Residents in Infection-Vulnerable Facilities
The Gwangjin District Health Center (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) announced that it will operate a winter "Infectious Disease Emergency Prevention System" ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
In the past five years, norovirus infections have reached their highest levels, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections among infants and young children have also occurred in the 400s over the past four weeks. Since COVID-19, various respiratory diseases and waterborne foodborne infections have been on the rise.
Waterborne foodborne infections include cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, Vibrio vulnificus septicemia, and norovirus.
Ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, the district has provided infection prevention guidelines and precautions to vulnerable facilities and informed postpartum care centers on how to report respiratory disease occurrences, while also organizing the reporting system.
Additionally, a 24-hour emergency contact system will be maintained with Seoul city and related organizations to strengthen surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks. Rapid response and on-site dispatch will be promptly carried out in case of infectious disease occurrences.
The winter emergency prevention system will operate until the 18th of next month, including the Lunar New Year holiday.
To prevent infectious diseases during the Lunar New Year holiday, when family gatherings are frequent, personal hygiene management such as ▲washing hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds ▲consuming safe water and food ▲practicing proper cough etiquette ▲wearing masks is necessary. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for residents aged 65 and older and patients or residents in vulnerable facilities.
If waterborne foodborne infections, group diarrhea, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are suspected, report to the Gwangjin District Health Center.
Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, said, "This is a time when preventing respiratory infectious diseases is more important than ever," and added, "Please adhere well to personal hygiene rules, which are the foundation of a healthy life, and report immediately if infectious disease patients occur."
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