Sejong Health Authorities Promote Enhanced Crisis Management for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases

Emergency Response Drill Conducted in Preparation for Avian Influenza Outbreak in the Community

Photo by Infectious Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health and Welfare

On September 9, Sejong City conducted an emergency response drill for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, in preparation for a potential outbreak of avian influenza.

The drill focused on strengthening initial response capabilities and practical on-site response skills to prevent the spread and minimize damage in the event of a new public health crisis. Approximately 40 participants from eight organizations took part, including the city's Infectious Disease Control Division, public health centers, Fire Headquarters, Institute of Health and Environment, police station, Infectious Disease Control Support Group, Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital, and NK Sejong Hospital. The exercise also served to review the cooperation system among relevant agencies.

In particular, the Infectious Disease Control Support Group enhanced the quality of the drill by overseeing scenario development that reflected local characteristics, providing training supplies, and conducting both practical and discussion-based exercises. The drill covered: ▲ response strategies for bioterrorism-related infectious diseases (such as anthrax) ▲ epidemiological characteristics and initial response methods for avian influenza ▲ an introduction to infectious disease-related work of relevant agencies.

Practical training to strengthen on-site response capabilities was also conducted, including: ▲ hands-on, scenario-based epidemiological investigation exercises ▲ discussion-based training to develop contact management strategies in the event of a confirmed case ▲ practice in donning and doffing Level D personal protective equipment.

Kang Changsu, Head of the Infectious Disease Control Division, stated, "Recently, the risk of outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as avian influenza, has been rapidly increasing both domestically and internationally. We will continue to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and accurately to the introduction of new infectious diseases in the region through ongoing training."