Jeonnam Province Finds Influenza Virus Abundant in Domestic Wastewater

Influenza Virus Levels in Jeonnam on the Rise
Continuous Increase Since First Detection in December Last Year

Employees of the Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment are detecting influenza viruses in sewage across the entire Jeonnam Province. Provided by Jeonnam Province

It has been found that the presence of influenza virus is rapidly increasing in daily life environments in the Jeonnam region. Strict adherence to preventive measures such as vaccination and mask-wearing is urgently needed.

According to the Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment on the 17th, the concentration of influenza virus detected in sewage has been continuously rising since it was first found in the 50th week (December 8-14) of early December last year, through to the 2nd week (January 3-11) of this year. It is predicted that the flu epidemic will persist for some time.

Sewage monitoring is part of an infectious disease surveillance project based on sewage, in which the Institute, together with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, analyzes the concentration of infectious disease viruses mixed in domestic sewage to predict the trend of infectious disease outbreaks in the community and respond in advance.

Through sewage surveillance, trends of various infectious diseases can be identified, including not only influenza virus (flu) but also the continuously emerging COVID-19 virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which is prevalent overseas, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and norovirus which is common in winter.

Yoon Kibok, head of the Infectious Disease Investigation Division 1 at the Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment, said, "We are releasing the results of sewage-based infectious disease surveillance to residents every week through our website," and urged, "For the prevention of infectious diseases, please strictly follow personal hygiene rules such as vaccination, wearing masks, cough etiquette, and proper handwashing."

Meanwhile, the flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Major symptoms include sudden high fever, headache, muscle pain, and general fatigue.

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