Sharp Increase in Influenza Cases in Jeonnam Region

Province Urges Vaccination and Compliance with Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines

Influenza Warning Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has recently recommended that residents promptly get vaccinated as influenza (flu) cases are rapidly increasing. The province also emphasized the importance of following respiratory infection prevention guidelines.

According to Jeonnam Province and local medical authorities on the 7th, the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases per 1,000 outpatients in Jeonnam surged from 5.2 in week 49 to 7.0 in week 50, 37.3 in week 51, and 99.5 in week 52.

This figure is significantly higher than the national average over the same period (7.3 in week 49 → 13.6 in week 50 → 31.3 in week 51 → 73.9 in week 52).

Influenza is characterized by a sudden fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, accompanied by symptoms such as cough or sore throat. In children, it may also cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

For high-risk groups, including those with underlying health conditions, influenza can even be life-threatening.

Fortunately, Jeonnam officials explained that the currently circulating influenza virus is similar to the vaccine strain, so vaccination is expected to provide sufficient preventive effects.

Accordingly, since September 20 last year, Jeonnam Province has vaccinated 409,000 seniors aged 65 and over, as well as 102,000 children and pregnant women. The province continues to encourage vaccination through individual text messages and other means.

Additionally, the province stressed the importance of everyday preventive measures such as: ▲washing hands before and after going out ▲practicing proper cough etiquette ▲wearing masks ▲avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands ▲regular indoor ventilation.

Lee Sangsim, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, urged, “To prevent respiratory infections such as the flu, make preventive habits a part of daily life, and if you are a parent of a child under 13 who has not yet been vaccinated, please make sure your child gets vaccinated as soon as possible.”