Type B Influenza on the Rise: Jeollanam-do Urges Rapid Vaccination for Children and Adolescents

Five Times the Epidemic Baseline
Most Cases Among 7?12-Year-Olds
Concerns Over Outbreak Intensifying With New Semester
Personal Hygiene, Such as Handwashing, Is Essential

Jeollanam-do has reiterated its call for vaccination against type B influenza (flu), which is currently spreading mainly among children and adolescents ahead of the new school semester. The concern is that the outbreak could further intensify once the school break ends and group activities resume in earnest.

According to sample surveillance by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of suspected influenza patients per clinic (nationwide) was 47.7 in week 4, 47.5 in week 5, 52.6 in week 6, and 45.9 in week 7. These figures are significantly higher than the 2025-2026 seasonal epidemic baseline of 9.1 cases per 1,000 outpatients. The situation in Jeollanam-do is similar, with cases rising from 40.6 in week 4 to 45.1 in week 7.

By age group, the majority of cases are among school-aged children.

Nationally, 7-12 year-olds accounted for the most cases at 150.8, followed by 1-6 year-olds (81.9), and 13-18 year-olds (78.8). In Jeollanam-do, the figures were 126.6 for 7-12 year-olds, 117.6 for 13-18 year-olds, and 97.9 for 1-6 year-olds.

This indicates that crowded environments such as classrooms and private institutes are serving as links in the chain of infection.

The currently circulating type B influenza is characterized by high fever above 38 degrees Celsius, cough, and sore throat. In children, gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain may also occur. If symptoms persist for more than two to three days, influenza infection should be suspected.

Jeollanam-do noted, "This season's epidemic virus is similar to the vaccine strain, so vaccination is expected to be effective," adding, "Even if you have already contracted type A influenza, you can still catch type B, so you should not let your guard down."

The province also reiterated the importance of following basic preventive measures such as handwashing, proper cough etiquette, wearing masks, and refraining from attending school or daycare when experiencing symptoms like fever or cough.

Jeong Kwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeollanam-do, said, "The new semester is a period when student-to-student contact increases sharply," and urged, "Those who have not yet been vaccinated should complete their vaccination now, and everyone in the community should adhere to prevention guidelines."

Meanwhile, starting in March, Jeollanam-do will launch a program to check essential vaccination records (four types for elementary and three types for middle school) for new elementary and middle school students. Parents of students enrolling for the 2026 school year should confirm their child's vaccination status, and if unvaccinated, free vaccination is available at designated medical institutions. Vaccination records can be checked on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Immunization Helper website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.