Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency: “Vaccination is absolutely necessary for pregnant women at 27 to 36 weeks of age.”
With more than 30,000 patients suffering from whooping cough, a respiratory disease that can cause complications such as cerebral hemorrhage in infants and young children, this year, the first whooping cough death occurred in Korea since statistics were compiled in 2011. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged, “To protect infants under 1 year old, who are at high risk, pregnant women, family members living with them, and caregivers need to be vaccinated against whooping cough.”
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 12th, an infant less than 2 months old who was hospitalized for whooping cough died on the 4th due to worsening symptoms. This infant had not received the first vaccination against whooping cough. He went to the hospital with symptoms such as coughing and phlegm, and was diagnosed with pertussis on the 31st of last month.
The number of pertussis patients in Korea is steadily increasing, mainly among infants, children, and adolescents. However, this is the first time that a death has occurred since the number of whooping cough deaths was counted in 2011.
As of the first week of November this year, a total of 30,332 cases of whooping cough, which is characterized by paroxysmal coughing, were reported. Considering that 292 cases occurred last year, this is a rapid increase.
By age, 45.7% (13,866 people) were 13 to 19 years old, and 42.0% (12,725 people) were 7 to 12 years old, accounting for 87.7% of all patients. Patients aged 0 to 6 account for 3.3% (1008 people) of all patients, which has been increasing since August, and the number of infants under 1 year old was also reported at 2 to 4 per week in early October, but increased to 12 at the end of October. .
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency emphasized the need to protect high-risk groups who are most likely to develop serious complications during infection.
First of all, it is necessary to vaccinate pregnant women in the third trimester (27 to 36 weeks) of pregnancy so that the infant can be born with immunity to whooping cough before the first vaccination (2 months) after birth. In addition, it is very important for all infants under 12 months of age to receive timely vaccinations at 2, 4, and 6 months, as well as other high-risk groups (immunocompromised patients, patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), parents of infants, caregivers, and medical staff. Adults, including workers and postpartum care center workers, were also urged to get vaccinated in consideration of the whooping cough epidemic this year.
Director Ji Young-mi of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, “As the first death from whooping cough occurred in Korea, high-risk groups need special attention.” He also emphasized, “In preparation for the spread of respiratory infectious diseases in the upcoming winter season, please prevent various respiratory infectious diseases and keep our children safe by washing your hands in daily life, observing cough etiquette, and wearing masks if you have respiratory symptoms.”
Jo Hye-sun, Donga.com reporter [email protected]
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The recent increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in South Korea has highlighted the critical importance of vaccination, particularly for caregivers and high-risk groups. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported a tragic case involving the death of an infant under 2 months old who had not received the initial vaccination against whooping cough. This incident marks the first reported death from whooping cough in South Korea since tracking began in 2011.
Current statistics from early November indicate a significant surge in whooping cough cases, with 30,332 reported infections this year compared to just 292 cases the previous year. The majority of afflicted individuals are aged 13 to 19 years (45.7%) and 7 to 12 years (42.0%). The rise in cases among the youngest group (infants under 1 year) has been alarming, with an increase in reported incidents noted since August.
To protect vulnerable populations, the agency emphasizes the importance of vaccinating pregnant women in their third trimester, ensuring infants receive timely vaccinations within their first six months, and urging caregivers—including parents and healthcare workers—to be vaccinated. The goal is to provide immunity to newborns before they are eligible for their first vaccination at 2 months.
Director Ji Young-mi of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has underscored the necessity of vigilance during the winter respiratory disease season, recommending preventative measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and wearing masks when symptomatic. The agency’s recommendations aim to prevent further spread of whooping cough and protect the health of infants and other high-risk groups.