[Survey on Intestinal Helminth Infections in the Endemic Regions, 2024]

Soil-transmitted parasites have replaced foodborne parasites as the major source of intestinal parasitic infections in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has conducted surveys and implemented treatment programs to control helminthiasis in Clonorchis sinensis-endemic regions. This study discusses the findings of the 2024 survey program and key public health implications.

In 2024, 26,985 we collected stool specimens from residents of 39 districts within the five major river basins of the ROK. Specimens pretreated using the ParaEgg kit were subsequently examined under a microscope. Intestinal parasite infection rates were systematically analyzed.

The overall egg-positive rate for intestinal parasites was 4.5%. C. sinensis exhibited the highest egg positive rate at 2.3%, followed by minute intestinal flukes, Trichuris trichiura, Gymnophalloides seoi, Ascaris lumbricoides, and Capillaria philippinensis. The highest egg positive rate was observed in the specimens from the Seomjin-gang river basin (6.3%), while those from the Nakdong-gang (3.9%), Yeongsan-gang (2.3%), Han-gang (2.3%), and Geum-gang (0.9%) basins exhibited lower rates. Specimens from Hadong-gun (county), Gurye-gun, and Andong-si (city) recorded particularly high intestinal parasite egg positive rates, exceeding 10% in each case. However, the C. sinensis egg positive rate of the Andong-si specimens was 9.1%.

The findings of the 2024 program indicate a sustained decline in intestinal helminth infections within endemic regions. However, persistently elevated C. sinensis infection rates in some regions underscore the need for ongoing surveys, treatments, and public health education. Focused control in high C. sinensis-endemic areas is proposed as a key strategy toward the eradication of intestinal helminthiasis in ROK.