Infection control and re-emergence of pertussis in South Korea (secondary publication)

Effective healthcare policies, such as vaccination, decreased the global prevalence of infectious diseases, such as pertussis. However, these diseases have recently re-emerged, posing a serious public health threat. This article discusses the recent pertussis outbreak in Korea, outlining its clinical symptoms and highlighting the relevant diagnostic tools and management strategies to prevent its re-emergence. Incidence of pertussis in South Korea has been increasing since 2015, with over 30,000 cases reported until November 1, 2024, marking the highest number of cases recorded since the 2000s. Although pertussis is fatal in infants, it can be prevented via maternal vaccination. However, in recent years, pertussis vaccination rate during pregnancy has remained at approximately 60%, which is insufficient to prevent neonatal pertussis. Notably, vaccination rates among adolescents and adults are even lower than those among children, leading to the rapid increase in pertussis infection in the post-adolescent and vulnerable populations. Therefore, effective strategies to promote the vaccination of adults, especially pregnant women, are necessary to prevent and control such re-emerging infectious diseases.