Paju-si Reports Surge in Influenza Suspected Cases... 49% Increase in One Week

Incidence Rate Highest Among Elementary School Age Group

The number of suspected influenza cases in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Kyung-il) is showing a clear upward trend. As of the first week of 2025, the rate of suspected influenza cases was 63.9 per 1,000 outpatients, marking a sharp 49% increase compared to week 52 of 2024 (42.9 cases). Notably, the high incidence rate among elementary, middle, and high school students is drawing attention.

Influenza Outbreak Advisory Notice. Provided by Paju City

By age group, the suspected case rate among elementary school students in Paju (ages 7-12) was the highest at 181.2 per 1,000 outpatients. The middle and high school age group (13-18 years) also recorded a high figure of 104.7, while adults (19-49 years) showed a considerable rate of 90.2.

This spreading trend is similar nationwide. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the national suspected influenza case rate for week 52 of 2024 (December 22?28) was 73.9 per 1,000 outpatients, the highest level since 2016. It surged 136% compared to week 51 of 2024 (31.3 cases), showing a rapid increase. Nationwide, the 13-18 age group had the highest incidence rate at 151.3 per 1,000, followed by 7-12 years (137.3) and 19-49 years (93.6).

Paju City is strengthening quarantine measures at multi-use facilities such as schools and academies and urging citizens to comply with basic personal hygiene rules such as wearing masks and washing hands. In particular, vaccination is actively recommended for high-risk groups including infants, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide influenza epidemic alert on December 20, 2024. Currently, antiviral prescriptions for high-risk groups are covered by health insurance, and national vaccination programs are underway for children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.

Lee Han-sang, director of the Paju Public Health Center, stated, “Since the current influenza spread is mainly among students, citizens need to exercise special caution,” and urged, “When using indoor multi-use facilities, it is essential to strictly follow basic preventive measures such as wearing masks, ventilating for more than 10 minutes every two hours, and proper handwashing.” He added, “Considering the current spread and seasonal characteristics, this epidemic is expected to continue until spring, making vaccination and personal hygiene management even more important.”