Pertussis epidemic in Korea and implications for epidemic control

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Korea is facing a pertussis (whooping cough) epidemic with record-high incidence rates in 2024.
• The scale of this pertussis increase in Korea is unprecedented compared to global trends.
• A distinctive feature is the high proportion of cases in children aged 5 to 14 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the epidemiological trends of the ongoing pertussis epidemic in Korea.
• To highlight the unique characteristics of the 2024 outbreak, particularly the age distribution of cases.
• To emphasize the need for robust surveillance and vaccine evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological data analysis of pertussis incidence in Korea.
• Comparative analysis of Korean pertussis trends with global data.
• Assessment of case demographics, focusing on the 5-14 year age group.

Main Results:

• Record-high pertussis incidence observed in Korea.
• The epidemic's scale in Korea is significantly larger and distinct from international patterns.
• Children aged 5 to 14 years represent a disproportionately high percentage of cases.

Conclusions:

• The 2024 pertussis epidemic in Korea requires urgent attention due to its unprecedented scale and affected demographic.
• Accurate interpretation of epidemiological trends necessitates validation of the surveillance system.
• Evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of pertussis vaccines is essential for control strategies.