Gyeonggi-do Issues Influenza Outbreak Warning

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

The influenza infection rate in Gyeonggi Province has surged since October.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 25th that influenza virus detection rates among respiratory symptomatic patients visiting three sentinel surveillance medical institutions (general hospitals) in the province increased significantly from 7.1% (1 out of 14) in the third week of September, 20.0% (4 out of 20) in the fourth week of September, to 52.6% (10 out of 19) in the third week of October.

All detected influenza viruses were type A.

Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by infection with the influenza virus (Influenza virus A·B·C·D) and is transmitted via droplets from the respiratory tract of infected patients. Major symptoms upon infection include high fever (38~40℃), dry cough, sore throat, respiratory symptoms, as well as systemic symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It can be treated with symptomatic therapy or antiviral drugs.

This year’s influenza epidemic advisory was issued without lifting last season’s advisory because there was no influenza epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic period, leading to decreased natural immunity to the influenza virus in the community, and due to the easing of COVID-19 quarantine policies, the influenza epidemic has continued.

A representative from the Institute of Health and Environment said, "As influenza cases are increasing, it is important to strictly follow personal hygiene and prevention rules such as wearing masks, proper handwashing, and cough etiquette to prevent infection and spread." They added, "Especially, active participation in influenza vaccination is necessary to prevent infections in group facilities such as infant care centers, schools, and nursing homes."

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