Jeonnam Province Launches Six-Week "Mask Wearing" Campaign Amid Flu Surge

Nationwide and Jeonnam See Sharp Rise in Flu Cases
"Vaccination and Mask-Wearing Essential for High-Risk Groups"

Jeollanam-do launched a six-week influenza prevention "Mask Wearing Campaign" until the end of December. Provided by Jeonnam Province

As the number of suspected influenza (flu) cases surged in the Jeonnam region, Jeonnam Province launched a six-week "Mask Wearing Campaign" for influenza prevention, running until the end of December.

This year, the influenza advisory was issued on October 17, two months earlier than usual. The rapid spread among children and adolescents has heightened concerns over epidemic control.

As of epidemiological week 46, there were 66.3 outpatients per 1,000 nationwide, a 31% increase from the previous week. In Jeonnam, the figure soared to 80.4 during the same period, significantly exceeding the national average.

On November 26, about 50 people from Jeonnam Province and Muan County Health Center conducted on-site promotion at Ilro Market in Muan, encouraging visitors to get vaccinated and distributing masks and other preventive supplies. They urged everyone to wear masks when visiting multi-use facilities such as medical institutions, supermarkets, and academies.

Jeonnam Province and health centers in its 22 cities and counties strengthened public guidance through media, electronic displays, social media, and village broadcasts, while urgently distributing 60,000 masks to vulnerable facilities such as nursing homes for the elderly.

Jeong Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Province, stated, "The currently circulating influenza is the A-type (H3N2) virus, and the available vaccine is effective in preventing severe illness. High-risk groups, including those aged 65 and older, infants and young children, and pregnant women, should be sure to get vaccinated and actively participate in wearing masks."