Urging Adherence to Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines
Including Safe Food Consumption
Ulsan City is strengthening its surveillance and management measures as the risk of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases (enteric infections) increases during the hot and humid summer months.
Proper Handwashing.
Representative enteric infections in the summer include enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection, Vibrio vulnificus sepsis, Salmonella infection, and Campylobacter infection. These can be contracted through undercooked beef, raw chicken, seafood, eggs, and other foods. The risk of infection rises further as higher temperatures and humidity in summer promote the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Major symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. If severe, complications can develop, making early treatment extremely important. In particular, enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection has a fatality rate of 3 to 5%, and Vibrio vulnificus sepsis can reach about 50%, requiring special caution.
As of the end of June 2025, there have been 133 suspected cases of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection nationwide (1 case in Ulsan), which is a 30.4% increase compared to the same period last year (102 cases), indicating a nationwide upward trend.
There have been 3 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis nationwide (0 cases in Ulsan). Since the first case was reported on May 10, 2025, two additional cases have occurred, and further increases are expected.
An official from Ulsan City stated, "We urge everyone to strictly follow infectious disease prevention guidelines, such as consuming safe food, washing hands, thoroughly cooking food, and managing storage temperatures." The official also requested, "If two or more people develop similar symptoms, please report immediately to the nearest public health center."
Prevention Guidelines for Waterborne and Foodborne Infectious Diseases.
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