Risk for Children Under 6... Adenovirus Warning for 'Eye Discharge'

89% of Hospitalized Patients Are Children Under 6
Natural Immunity Not Developed, Epidemic Likely
Strict Personal Hygiene Management Needed

An adenovirus infection, also known as 'eye mucus infection,' is currently widespread. It occurs frequently in children under the age of 6, so hygiene management is especially important.

2.5 times increase compared to 2018... 89% of hospitalized patients are children under 6

[Image source=Pixabay]

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 22nd, surveillance of nine common acute respiratory infections in the country shows that adenovirus infections are increasing among both outpatients and inpatients.

Among 77 primary medical institutions surveyed, the percentage of respiratory outpatients diagnosed with adenovirus infection steadily increased from 13.7% in the 29th week (July 16?22) to 21.2% in the 30th week, 24.1% in the 31st week, and 28.5% in the 32nd week.

In particular, surveillance of 220 hospital-level medical institutions nationwide with more than 200 beds showed that in the 32nd week of this year, 636 patients were hospitalized due to adenovirus infection. This is approximately 2.5 times higher than in 2018 (253 patients) before the COVID-19 pandemic and 2.2 times higher than in 2019 (292 patients). Compared to last year (62 patients), it has surged more than tenfold.

Adenovirus infection occurs most frequently in children under 6 years old. In fact, among hospitalized patients in the 32nd week this year, 89.0% were under 6 years old, accounting for the majority.

Widespread among children without natural immunity... "Maintain personal hygiene and disinfect public facilities"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts analyze that the reason adenovirus is spreading mainly among young children is that during the COVID-19 period, measures such as mask-wearing and social distancing prevented them from acquiring natural immunity. After the lifting of restrictions, these children were suddenly exposed to the virus all at once, causing the current outbreak.

When infected with adenovirus, symptoms similar to a cold appear, such as fever, cough, and runny nose. Additionally, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, characterized by excessive eye mucus or eye hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

In severe cases, symptoms such as hemorrhagic cystitis and pneumonia may develop.

Adenovirus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, patient contact, or during diaper changes of infected young children.

It is highly contagious to the extent that young children with weak immune systems can become infected by using swimming pools or water play facilities together, or by sharing towels or toys used by infected children. Therefore, strict hygiene management for young children is essential.

Accordingly, multi-use facilities such as daycare centers and kindergartens where young children live require meticulous management, including environmental disinfection using appropriately concentrated disinfectants and sufficient ventilation.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized, "At home, teach young children proper handwashing techniques, not to rub their eyes with unwashed hands, and cough etiquette. If respiratory symptoms are present, wear masks and send children to daycare facilities. In multi-use facilities such as daycare centers and kindergartens where young children live, please focus on hygiene management through disinfection and sufficient ventilation."

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