Increasing Flu Cases Again... Outbreak Among Children and Adolescents

The number of influenza (flu) patients, which had been declining, has risen again, recording nearly six times the epidemic threshold.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 26th, the influenza-like illness (ILI) rate (number of patients showing suspected influenza symptoms such as fever per 1,000 outpatients) for the 46th week of this year (November 12?18) was 37.4.

After recording 39.0 in the 44th week, the number of patients had dropped to 32.1 the previous week but has increased again. This figure is 5.8 times higher than the epidemic threshold (6.5) calculated by the KDCA using the average ILI rate during non-epidemic periods for the 2023?2024 season.

In the same period (46th week) over the past five years, the ILI rates were 10.1 in 2018, 8.2 in 2019, 3.3 in 2020, 4.0 in 2021, and 13.2 last year, making this year’s patient count three times higher than the same period last year.

Notably, the proportions of children aged 7?12 and students aged 13?18 were significant. The ILI rate calculated within the 7?12 age group was 84.6, and for the 13?18 age group, it was 87.3.

Other age groups’ ILI rates were 39.1 for ages 19?49 and 29.2 for ages 1?6.

Influenza has shown an unusual epidemic trend, with the KDCA maintaining a related "epidemic advisory" for over a year since the last season.

In the 43rd week, as the weather got colder, the ILI rate surged by more than 70% compared to the previous week.

The KDCA urged adherence to respiratory infection prevention guidelines and participation in influenza vaccination.

As of the 2nd of this month, the vaccination rate for children (6 months to 13 years old) was 47.5%, lower than 51.8% during the same period last year.

Currently, free flu vaccinations are being provided for children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women, and seniors aged 65 and older.

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