Suspected Influenza Patients Increase Sevenfold in Two Months

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 10th that the number of suspected influenza (flu) patients has increased more than sevenfold in two months.

Influenza-like illness (ILI) patients have continuously increased since the flu advisory was issued on November 15 of last year, reaching 49.1 per 1,000 outpatients from the 29th of last month to the 4th of this month. This is more than seven times higher than the 7 cases recorded after surpassing the advisory threshold of 5.9 cases per 1,000 outpatients during November 3?9 last year.

By age group, many cases occurred among elementary, middle, and high school students who live in group settings. From the 29th of last month to the 4th of this month, the number of suspected influenza patients per 1,000 outpatients was 113.2 for ages 7?12 and 93.6 for ages 13?18.

The KDCA recommended that those who have not been vaccinated receive the influenza vaccination as soon as possible to prevent infection and stop the spread.

For pregnant women, vaccination is essential due to the high risk of complications if infected with the flu; however, as of the 8th, the vaccination rate was only 33.8%. The vaccination rate for children aged 10?12 was 64.6%, lower than 84.4% for those aged 6 months to 6 years and 75.4% for ages 7?9. The vaccination rate for seniors aged 65 and older was 83.4%.

A KDCA official urged, "Since the flu epidemic will continue until spring, please complete your vaccination even now."

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