'Breakthrough Infections' Confirmed After Vaccination, 350 More Cases in One Week... First Death Reported (Update)

Breakthrough Infection Cases per 100,000: Janssen > AZ > Pfizer > Hyochajeopjong Sequence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The number of suspected 'breakthrough infection' cases, where individuals test positive for COVID-19 after completing vaccination and passing the 14-day immunity formation period, is rapidly increasing. The first death case following a breakthrough infection has also been reported.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 3rd, as of the 29th of last month, the total number of suspected breakthrough infection cases in the country was 1,132. This is an increase of about 350 cases compared to 779 cases as of the 22nd, within just one week. During this period, the infection rate per 100,000 vaccinated individuals also rose from 14.1 to 17.8.

By vaccine type, the Janssen vaccine accounted for the highest number with 584 cases, followed by Pfizer with 284 cases, AstraZeneca (AZ) with 254 cases, and mixed vaccination (1st dose AZ, 2nd dose Pfizer) with 10 cases. In terms of breakthrough infections per 100,000 people, Janssen was highest at 51.4, followed by AZ at 24.3, Pfizer at 7.8, and mixed vaccination at 1.9.

Lee Sang-won, head of the CDCH Epidemiological Investigation and Analysis Team, explained at the regular COVID-19 briefing that "Among 243 cases of breakthrough infections where variant virus analysis was completed, 150 cases (61.7%) showed major mutations, with the Delta variant being the most frequently detected at 128 cases." Besides the Delta variant, there were 21 Alpha variant cases and 1 Beta variant case.

There has also been a death case following a breakthrough infection. The individual was an woman in her 80s who had completed the Pfizer vaccination. There were 8 severe or critical cases. By age group, there were 4 cases in their 80s, and one case each in their 30s, 50s, 60s, and 70s.

Lee stated, "Among 6,356,326 fully vaccinated individuals in the country, the suspected breakthrough infection cases account for 0.018%, which is one-fifth the level of the United States." He added, "Due to the Delta variant, countries with high vaccination rates are experiencing a rapid increase in cases again. We will continue all measures and efforts to suppress the sharp rise in cases in our country as well."

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