Is It Trending Among Children?… Goyang Issues Scarlet Fever Advisory

Scarlet Fever Cases in Goyang Rise 73.9% Year-on-Year in 2025
Pertussis Drops Sharply by 91.6%... Legionellosis on the Rise

The Goyang Special City Public Health Center (Mayor Lee Donghwan) in Gyeonggi Province has analyzed the status of major infectious diseases in the area for 2025 and reported that respiratory infections, including scarlet fever, are on the rise. The center has urged citizens to exercise particular caution and to strictly follow preventive guidelines.

A view of Goyang Special City Hall. Provided by Goyang Special City.

According to statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there were 193 cases of scarlet fever in 2025, a 73.9% increase compared to the previous year (111 cases). The incidence of Legionellosis has also risen compared to the previous year.

In contrast, pertussis, which saw a significant outbreak last year, dropped sharply from 1,265 cases to 106 cases, marking a 91.6% decrease and indicating a clear stabilization. This is seen as a result of timely vaccination campaigns and intensive infection control measures. However, the public health center plans to maintain continuous monitoring to prepare for the possibility of sporadic cases, especially among children and adolescents.

Scarlet fever is a disease characterized by sudden rashes across the body, along with fever and sore throat. It is highly contagious, making prevention and control in group living facilities such as daycare centers and schools especially important.

In addition, the occurrence of CRE (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae), which requires strict infection control within medical institutions, increased by 11.3% year-on-year (962 cases). As a result, the public health center plans to strengthen infection control education and on-site inspections for local convalescent hospitals and medical facilities.

The Ilsanseo-gu Public Health Center emphasized the following daily hygiene practices to citizens to prevent scarlet fever and respiratory infections: ▲Washing hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds ▲Practicing proper cough etiquette ▲Regularly disinfecting frequently used toys and teaching aids ▲Immediately refraining from attending school or work and seeking medical attention if symptoms appear.

A public health center official stated, "As respiratory infections such as scarlet fever are on the rise, it is important to visit a medical institution promptly and receive treatment if symptoms occur." The official also urged, "With the change of seasons approaching, please actively participate in daily preventive measures such as proper handwashing and regular indoor ventilation."