Busan Gijang-gun Takes Measures to Prevent Pertussis Spread... Urges Special Caution

65.1% of Pertussis Patients Are Adolescents

Practicing Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines in Daily Life

Busan Gijang-gun (Governor Jeong Jong-bok) has recently urged local residents to exercise special caution and strictly adhere to preventive measures as the number of confirmed pertussis cases is increasing nationwide.

According to the Gijang-gun Public Health Center, as of the end of last year (December 31, 2024), a total of 129 confirmed pertussis cases were recorded in the area.

By age group, adolescents aged 10-19 accounted for the largest number with 84 cases (65.1%), followed by 29 cases (22.4%) in the 0-9 age group, and 16 cases in those aged 20 and above. The notable increase in confirmed cases among adolescents highlights the need for heightened awareness of infection spread within the community.

Pertussis is an acute respiratory infectious disease primarily transmitted through coughing or respiratory secretions, and it can be fatal to infants with weak immunity and high-risk groups, making prevention especially important.

Pertussis vaccination is administered as a primary series at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with additional doses at 15-18 months, 4-6 years, and 11-12 years, followed by booster shots every 10 years. In particular, families caring for infants under 1 year old, all healthcare workers, and pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation are recommended to receive the pertussis vaccine.

Children under 12 years old can receive free vaccinations at designated medical institutions nationwide (refer to the Vaccination Helper website), while adults can receive paid vaccinations at medical institutions. Residents of Gijang-gun (excluding pregnant women) can receive paid pertussis (Tdap) vaccinations at the Gijang-gun Public Health Center and Jeonggwan Health Branch.

A representative from the Gijang-gun Public Health Center stated, “We are working closely with related organizations to prevent further spread within the community,” and urged, “We ask residents to practice daily preventive measures to protect against infectious diseases.”