South Korea reports a 10,000% increase in pertussis, 1st death of the year reported
South Korea reports a 10,000% increase in pertussis, 1st death of the year reported
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is urging pregnant women, cohabiting family members (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.), and caregivers to get vaccinated against pertussis to protect infants under 1 year of age, who are at high risk for developing severe symptoms if infected, following the first death from pertussis (in a child under 2 months of age).
Pertussis, characterized by paroxysmal coughing, has been reported to a total of 30,332 patients (including suspected patients) as of the first week of November this year, and is prevalent nationwide, mainly among children and adolescents aged 7-19 (as of November 2).
This is a 10,287 percent increase in cases compared to 2023 when 292 cases were recorded.
By age, 45.7% (13,866 people) are aged 13-19, 42.0% (12,725 people) are aged 7-12, and children and adolescents aged 7-19 account for 87.7% (26,591 people) of the total. In the case of patients aged 0-6, the number has been increasing since August, accounting for 3.3% (1,008 people) of all patients, and the number of infants under 1 year of age also increased from 2-4 cases per week in early October to 12 cases by the end of October.
Mims' Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease
KDCA emphasized the need for protection of high-risk groups with the highest risk of developing severe complications when infected, as pertussis is prevalent not only domestically but also worldwide. First, it is essential for pregnant women to be vaccinated during the third trimester (27-36 weeks) before the first vaccination after birth (2 months) so that infants can be born with immunity against pertussis.
In addition, it is very important for infants under 12 months of age to receive the appropriate vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months of age without fail, and other high-risk groups (immunocompromised patients, patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), caregivers of infants and toddlers, medical workers, and postpartum care workers, etc., are also urged to get vaccinated in consideration of this year's pertussis epidemic situation.
In addition, considering that whooping cough is prevalent mainly among children and adolescents, we are actively encouraging the 6th vaccination for children aged 11-12, who have a relatively low vaccination rate.
Concerning vaccination rate, 96.9% of elementary school students (5th dose of DTaP), 88.2% of middle school students (6th dose of Tdap or Td).
Ji Young-mi, director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, “As we have had our first death from pertussis in Korea, high-risk groups need to be especially careful,” and added, “The government will closely monitor the recent upward trend in pertussis cases in children aged 0-6 years, and in preparation for the winter respiratory infectious disease epidemic, we will operate a joint task force with relevant ministries and experts to respond and provide necessary support to medical sites.”
In addition, he emphasized, “In order to prepare for the spread of respiratory infectious diseases during the coming winter season, each household should prevent various respiratory infectious diseases, including whooping cough, by washing hands, observing cough etiquette, and wearing masks when experiencing respiratory symptoms in daily life, and keep our children safe.”