Recent Resurgence of Respiratory Illnesses Like COVID-19 and Pertussis
Emphasis on Five Key Rules: Handwashing, Cough Etiquette, Indoor Ventilation
Ulsan City has urged residents to follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines as COVID-19 cases have surged nationwide and infections such as pertussis and Mycoplasma pneumonia are also spreading.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 3rd, an analysis of the types of inpatients at 220 sample monitoring institutions with more than 200 beds nationwide showed that the number of COVID-19 patients increased sharply from 63 in the fourth week of June to 225 in the third week of July, a 3.57-fold increase over three weeks.
In Ulsan as well, the number of infected individuals rose steeply from 4 in the fourth week of June to 10 in the third week of July, marking a 2.5-fold increase in three weeks.
Recently, pertussis, characterized by paroxysmal coughing, has also been spreading, especially among children and adolescents. The number of inpatients with Mycoplasma pneumonia has also been rapidly increasing since the outbreak alert was issued, making adherence to respiratory infection prevention guidelines essential.
To prevent respiratory infections, Ulsan City emphasized five key prevention rules: ▲ Cover your mouth with your sleeve when coughing ▲ Wash hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds ▲ Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands ▲ Ventilate indoor spaces frequently ▲ Visit a medical institution immediately if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
An Ulsan City official stated, "During summer, the use of air conditioning makes indoor ventilation insufficient, creating an environment where infectious diseases can easily spread," and added, "If you have respiratory symptoms, please wear a mask, wash your hands, practice proper cough etiquette, and follow all respiratory infection prevention guidelines, including frequent indoor ventilation."
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