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Historical Review of Leptospirosis in the Korea (1945 - 2015)
Min Ja Kim1,2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Leptospirosis is a widespread worldwide zoonosis. Human leptospirosis was first identified in the Korea in 1984 as the cause of "epidemic pulmonary hemorrhagic fever of unknown etiology" that occurred sporadically or in outbreaks. The major outbreaks, leading to some deaths, mainly involved rice field farmers who worked in wet and muddy rice paddies following floods or heavy rainfalls. Leptospirosis was designated a nationally notifiable disease in 1987. The Korean government introduced a supplementary immunization program to control the disease from 1988 to 1997, which provided people at risk in endemic areas with the inactivated vaccine prepared from a local strain Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai. In addition, the continuous promotion of education and awareness in the media played a role in improving personal hygiene management. Since then, the reported incidence of leptospirosis has been low. Leptospirosis is currently considered in the differential diagnosis of acute febrile illnesses occurring in fall. This study historically reviews clinical and epidemiological publications, scientific reports, and public health policies for recognition, identification, and infection control of human leptospirosis in the Korea.
Insights
Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease, was identified in Korea in 1984. Public health interventions, including vaccination and awareness campaigns, have since reduced its incidence, making it a consideration for fall febrile illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Leptospirosis, a global zoonotic disease, was first identified in Korea in 1984, linked to epidemic pulmonary hemorrhagic fever.
- Outbreaks primarily affected rice field farmers, particularly after floods and heavy rainfall.
- Designated a nationally notifiable disease in 1987, public health efforts were initiated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To historically review the recognition, identification, and infection control of human leptospirosis in Korea.
- To analyze clinical and epidemiological data and public health policies.
- To understand the disease's historical trajectory and current relevance.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of clinical and epidemiological publications.
- Analysis of scientific reports and public health policies.
- Examination of government interventions and disease surveillance data.
Main Results:
- A supplementary immunization program using an inactivated vaccine (1988-1997) targeted at-risk populations.
- Public education and media awareness campaigns contributed to improved personal hygiene.
- Reported incidence of leptospirosis has significantly decreased since the implementation of control measures.
Conclusions:
- Leptospirosis control in Korea has been successful, with reduced incidence.
- The disease remains relevant in differential diagnoses for acute febrile illnesses, especially in autumn.
- Historical review provides insights into effective public health strategies for zoonotic diseases.
