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Follow Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines: Caution Urged for the Spread of Chickenpox, Pertussis, and Other Infections at the Beginning of the School Term

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) emphasized the importance of preventing and managing infectious diseases in environments where children and adolescents live together, such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools, as an increase in infectious diseases among children and adolescents is expected after the start of the school term.

In particular, in group living environments such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools, there is a possibility of cluster outbreaks of infectious diseases. Therefore, strict compliance with prevention guidelines such as proper handwashing and cough etiquette was strongly encouraged.

In the past five years, chickenpox, pertussis, mumps, and scarlet fever—diseases that commonly occur among children and adolescents—have shown a gradual increase beginning in March each year.

Chickenpox and mumps are infectious diseases transmitted through respiratory secretions such as droplets and nasal discharge produced when an infected person coughs. These diseases tend to occur frequently in the spring months from April to June, and the incidence is particularly high among school-aged children who live and study in group environments.

Pertussis typically begins with a runny nose or mild cough and progresses to severe paroxysmal coughing. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and occurs relatively frequently among school-aged children between the ages of 7 and 19.

Scarlet fever is an acute febrile illness that begins suddenly with symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sore throat. A characteristic rash usually appears one to two days after onset. The disease spreads through direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions, and more than 80 percent of patients are children under the age of nine.

To prevent infectious diseases, it is recommended to thoroughly follow preventive measures such as proper handwashing and observing cough etiquette. If symptoms suspected of infectious disease appear, individuals are advised to visit a nearby medical institution for examination and treatment.

In addition, to minimize contact with others, active cooperation from schools and parents is needed so that infected individuals refrain from attending daycare, school, or private academies during the infectious period. For scarlet fever in particular, it is important to regularly disinfect frequently touched environmental surfaces.

Infectious Disease Prevention and Management Guidelines

General Prevention Guidelines

• ●Practice proper handwashing: wash hands with soap or cleanser under running water for at least 30 seconds, especially after going out, before and after meals, after blowing the nose or coughing or sneezing, and after using the restroom.

• ●Observe cough etiquette: when coughing, cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve; dispose of used tissues or masks immediately in a trash bin; and wash hands properly after coughing.

• ●Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

• ●If symptoms such as fever or other signs suspected of infectious disease appear, visit a medical institution to receive appropriate medical care.

When Scarlet Fever Occurs

• ●In homes, daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools, thoroughly disinfect the environment by frequently cleaning and disinfecting surfaces such as furniture, toys, door handles, and faucets.

Cho Kyu-yul, Director General of the Citizen Health Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “The beginning of the school term is a time when infectious diseases are more likely to increase. Therefore, it is extremely important for students, parents, and educational institutions to practice prevention guidelines to prevent infectious diseases.” He added, “If suspicious symptoms appear, we strongly recommend visiting a nearby medical institution promptly for examination and treatment.”