99.8 Cases per 1,000 People:
Highest Rate in Eight Years
Gyeonggi Yangju City (Mayor Kang Su-hyun) urged prompt vaccination for 'unvaccinated individuals against influenza and COVID-19' before the Lunar New Year holiday, which involves large-scale movement and frequent gatherings, in preparation for the spread of various respiratory infectious diseases.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 14th, the number of influenza (flu) patients in the first week of this year reached 99.8 per 1,000 people, marking the highest level in eight years since 2016, spreading at a rapid pace.
COVID-19 also showed a declining trend after peaking in August last year, but it has recently been reported that the number of hospitalized patients has increased over the past four weeks.
Meanwhile, as various respiratory infectious diseases are spreading domestically, some overseas countries have also reported outbreaks of Metapneumovirus (HMPV).
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a virus that causes a certain level of annual outbreaks mainly among children and the elderly, accounting for 2-3% of respiratory infections in children under five years old.
On the other hand, according to the sample surveillance results of hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the proportion of hospitalized patients with Human Metapneumovirus infection (HMPV) increased by 2.1%, from 3.2% in week 49 to 5.3% in week 52, but no unusual outbreaks larger than the average have been observed domestically.
Respiratory infectious diseases can be transmitted through direct droplet transmission and contact with secretions from infected persons or contaminated objects.
Preventive measures for respiratory infectious diseases include △ vaccination for high-risk groups such as those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and children △ washing hands before and after going out △ practicing proper cough etiquette and wearing masks when respiratory symptoms occur △ ventilating indoor spaces such as gathering facilities for more than 10 minutes every two hours △ visiting medical institutions for appropriate treatment if fever or respiratory symptoms occur.
A Yangju City official stated, “The upcoming Lunar New Year holiday period is expected to see an increase in respiratory infections due to high mobility and active group activities,” and added, “To spend a safe and healthy time with your family, we strongly request that high-risk groups who have not yet been vaccinated (those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, children) receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations before the Lunar New Year holiday.”
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