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Remote Laboratory Management: Respiratory Virus Diagnostics
Published on: April 6, 2019
Korea 2024-2025 Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory Surveillance Report
SangHee Woo1, Nam-Joo Lee1, Jaehee Lee1
1Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Laboratory Diagnosis and analysis, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea.
Public Health Weekly Report
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Influenza virus was the most common respiratory virus detected in South Korea during the 2024-2025 season. Circulating strains were similar to vaccine strains, with no detected antiviral resistance, aiding public health preparedness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Respiratory virus infections pose a significant public health burden globally.
- Continuous surveillance is crucial for understanding viral epidemiology and informing control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize respiratory virus detection patterns in South Korea for the 2024-2025 season.
- To analyze the virological characteristics of circulating influenza viruses.
- To provide data for evidence-based infection control policies and public health responses.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory specimens from patients with influenza-like illness were collected at sentinel sites.
- Molecular assays were used to detect and identify various respiratory viruses.
- Influenza viruses underwent genetic, antigenic, and antiviral-resistance analyses.
Main Results:
- Influenza virus was the most frequently detected (15.2%), followed by rhinovirus (15.0%) and SARS-CoV-2 (9.7%).
- Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, Influenza B, and A(H3N2) were the main subtypes.
- Circulating influenza viruses showed genetic and antigenic similarity to 2024-2025 vaccine strains; no antiviral resistance was found.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal variations in respiratory virus epidemiology necessitate ongoing surveillance.
- Continuous monitoring through integrated systems strengthens public health preparedness.
- Findings support the refinement of infection control measures and public health strategies.
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