Norovirus and Respiratory Infections Surge... Early Activation of Emergency Quarantine System for Seol

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 19th that it will advance the operation of an emergency quarantine system in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday, the first since the relaxation of COVID-19 prevention measures. This is a measure to prevent the spread of infections as norovirus infections and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections have recently been on the rise.

Source: Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

According to the KDCA, the number of norovirus infection patients has steadily increased from 201 in the second week of December last year to 214 (third week of December) → 279 (fourth week of December) → 340 (first week of January 2024) → 360 (second week of January).

In particular, the number of norovirus infection patients recorded in the second week of January surpassed the peak recorded in the third week of January 2020 (353 patients) over the past five years.

The KDCA forecasted that the outbreak will continue for the time being, considering that the peak period of past outbreaks (third week of January to fourth week of February) has not yet arrived.

They also urged caution regarding infections in daycare centers and kindergartens, noting that about 50% of patients are infants and young children aged 0 to 6 years.

The number of respiratory syncytial virus infection patients is also increasing. The number of hospitalized patients was 368 in the week of December 17-23 (week 51), then 467 (week 52) → 421 (first week of January) → 461 (second week of January), showing a continued spread.

Once the emergency quarantine system is implemented, the KDCA and health institutions nationwide will uniformly organize the reporting and contact system before the Lunar New Year holiday, maintain a 24-hour emergency contact network, and conduct activities such as promoting preventive measures and encouraging active reporting targeting local healthcare institutions, pharmacies, childcare facilities, and daycare centers.

In particular, the KDCA plans to actively encourage COVID-19 vaccinations for those aged 65 and older and residents or inpatients of infection-vulnerable facilities in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday, when family and relatives frequently gather.

Ji Young-mi, head of the KDCA, said, "For a prompt response, please immediately report to the nearest public health center if two or more people experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain, or if one or more cases of respiratory syncytial virus infection occur." She added, "Since the risk of infection is expected to increase during face-to-face visits with seniors aged 65 and older, we ask that residents and inpatients of infection-vulnerable facilities receive the new COVID-19 vaccine."

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