Supporting Safe School Life for School-aged Children and Adolescents
Damyang County, Jeollanam-do announced on the 27th that it has held a countermeasure meeting and is launching a full-scale response as respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza, COVID-19, pertussis, and measles are spreading nationwide with the start of the new school semester.
Respiratory infectious diseases typically increase during the school term and decrease during vacations, so special attention is needed to prevent infections among school-aged children and adolescents who live together indoors during the new semester.
For the 2024-2025 season, the number of suspected influenza patients (those suspected of being infected but not yet confirmed as infectious disease patients) peaked in the first week of 2025 and is now rapidly declining. However, the rate among those aged 7 to 18 remains above the epidemic threshold. In the case of pertussis, there was a significant outbreak among school-aged children and adolescents both globally and domestically last year, but the number of cases decreased during the school vacation period.
Accordingly, the county is conducting preventive education for children in vulnerable groups registered at local children's centers, including promoting infection prevention habits and handwashing activities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Customized infection prevention education is also being provided for daycare centers by age group, and promotional activities are being carried out through the Damyang newsletter and online apps.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there were a total of 49 cases of measles in 2024, with 16 cases reported as of the 6th of the month. All cases were either contracted after overseas travel or through contact with a patient within Korea.
To monitor and manage infectious diseases, the county is actively encouraging measles vaccination for local institutions and organizations prior to overseas travel and providing guidance on prevention measures. In addition, local medical institutions are being asked to check travel history, vaccination status, and contact with previous patients when treating suspected respiratory infectious disease cases, to conduct diagnostic tests, report to public health centers, and educate on personal hygiene. Daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools have been provided with guidelines on respiratory infection prevention, home letters for parents, recommendations for immediate medical consultation and school absence if a case occurs, and encouragement for vaccination.
A county official stated, "Before traveling abroad, please ensure vaccination, and if you develop symptoms such as fever accompanied by cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or rash after returning, visit a medical institution immediately, inform them of your travel history, and receive treatment." The official also urged, "Medical institutions should actively conduct testing and report to public health centers to prevent the spread of infectious diseases."
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