SEOUL, January 3 (AJP) -- South Korea is experiencing its most severe influenza outbreak in eight years, with cases more than doubling during the final week of 2024, health authorities said Friday.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said the number of suspected flu patients reached 73.9 per 1,000 outpatients between Dec. 22 and 28, a 136 percent increase from 31.3 the previous week.
It marks the highest level since 2016, when the rate peaked at 86.2 per 1,000 patients.
Teenagers are particularly affected, with infection rates 17.6 times higher than the seasonal epidemic threshold.
The 13-18 age group recorded 151.3 cases per 1,000 people, followed by children aged 7-12 with 137.3 cases.
Emergency room visits have surged, with an average of 1,357 patients seeking treatment daily for flu symptoms.
Hospitalizations have also doubled, rising from 403 to 834 in just one week.
KDCA Commissioner Ji Young-mi urged high-risk groups to get vaccinated.
"We expect the flu season to continue through spring. It's not too late for children, pregnant women and the elderly to receive their shots," she said.
Free vaccinations remain available until April 30 for vulnerable groups, including children aged 6 months to 13 years, pregnant women and those over 65.
Health officials note current vaccine strains closely match circulating viruses, indicating good effectiveness.
The country has been under a flu advisory since Dec. 20, allowing high-risk patients to receive antiviral medications under national health insurance coverage.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
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