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Water- and Foodborne Infectious Diseases During the Summer: Prevention is the Best Cur

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The Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that, due to the recent hot and humid weather, the incidence of water- and foodborne infectious diseases is on the rise. The city is urging citizens to strictly follow prevention guidelines such as thorough handwashing and properly cooking food.

Water- and foodborne infectious diseases are primarily gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms.

According to the sentinel surveillance of gastrointestinal infections*, nationwide cases have been increasing over the past five years (2021–2025).
* Data based on 210 participating medical institutions (hospitals with 200+ beds) across the country

[Five-Year Trend of Sentinel Surveillance for Gastrointestinal Infections]

※ Subject to change as data is preliminary

In particular, cases of Salmonella and Campylobacter infections have continued to rise over the past four weeks nationwide.

The early arrival of heat waves and record-high humidity have contributed to an increase in bacterial gastrointestinal infections that cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Salmonella infections nearly doubled by the fourth week of June compared to the first week. Campylobacter infections also almost doubled between the first and second weeks of June and have continued to rise.

• ●Salmonella cases:
  Week 1 – 66 → Week 2 – 102 → Week 3 – 109 → Week 4 – 127

• ●Campylobacter cases:
  Week 1 – 58 → Week 2 – 102 → Week 3 – 119 → Week 4 – 128

In addition, other nationally monitored diseases that frequently occur during summer—such as E. coli O157 infection and Vibrio vulnificus septicemia—also require particular attention.

E. coli O157 infections are showing an upward trend*, with a 30.4% increase** compared to the same period last year (end of June).
* Monthly reports: March (9 cases) → April (10) → May (42) → June (46)
** June cumulative cases: 2024 – 102 cases / 2025 – 133 cases

Regarding Vibrio vulnificus septicemia, the first case of the year was reported on May 10, with two more cases confirmed since, raising concerns about further increases in the coming weeks.

[Five-Year Trend of Monitored Gastrointestinal Infectious Diseases]
※ Data for 2024 and 2025 are preliminary and may be subject to revision

Busan City emphasizes the following six key prevention guidelines for water- and foodborne illnesses in summer:

• 1.Practice proper handwashing

• 2.Thoroughly cook all food

• 3.Boil drinking water

• 4.Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly or peel before eating

• 5.Do not prepare or cook food if experiencing diarrhea

• 6.Maintain hygienic cooking practices

Hands should be washed with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds. To ensure hygienic food preparation, use separate cutting boards for fish, meat, and vegetables, and disinfect all utensils after use.

Lee Gyu-yul, Director of the Citizen Health Bureau of Busan City, stated, “With ongoing conditions that favor the spread of bacterial gastrointestinal infections, this is a time for heightened vigilance among citizens,” adding, “Please follow prevention guidelines strictly, and report to your local health center immediately if two or more individuals show symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting after consuming the same food. The city will continue its efforts to create a safe environment for both residents and visitors and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases—ensuring a ‘Safe Busan, 365 Days a Year.’”