Despite the number of influenza cases in South Korea declining for four consecutive weeks, infections remain significantly above the epidemic threshold, prompting continued caution.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Friday, the influenza-like illness rate in the fifth week of January stood at 30.4 cases per 1,000 outpatients. The number of influenza cases peaked in the first week of January at 99.8 cases per 1,000 outpatients and has since decreased: 86.1 in the second week, 57.7 in the third, 36.5 in the fourth and 30.4 in the fifth.
However, the current rate remains 3.5 times higher than the 2024-25 seasonal epidemic threshold of 8.6.
Despite the steady decline, the number of cases also remains higher than the same period last year, which stood at 27.2 per 1,000, with children and adolescents accounting for the highest infection rates.
The age group most affected was 7-12 years old, with 50 cases per 1,000 outpatients, followed by 13-18 years old, 39.9 cases, and 1-6 years old, 36.8 cases. Among those aged 65 and older, the flu rate stood at 13.5 cases per 1,000.
The contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus spreads through droplets from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms typically appear two days after infection and include fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat. In children, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.
The KDCA issued a nationwide influenza advisory on Dec. 20, as influenza-like illness cases exceeded the epidemic threshold. Under the advisory, high-risk individuals, including young children, pregnant women and the elderly, are eligible for health insurance coverage when receiving antiviral prescriptions.
jychoi@heraldcorp.com
