Caution Urged for Infectious Diseases Ahead of Chuseok...Get Hepatitis A and Pertussis Vaccines

Sharp Rise in Hepatitis A Cases in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Immunity Gap Among Adults in Their 20s to 40s Requires Attention

With the Chuseok holidays approaching, there is a rise in family gatherings and overseas travel, raising concerns over the prevention of infectious diseases such as hepatitis A and pertussis. In particular, it is advised to check the vaccination records in advance when adults with low hepatitis A antibody rates and young children come into contact.

A citizen is receiving a vaccination to prevent infectious diseases. Photo by The Asia Business Daily Database

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and other sources on September 18, hepatitis A has recently been spreading significantly, especially in Asia, including Hong Kong and Taiwan. The number of hepatitis A cases in Hong Kong increased from 30 in 2023 to 72 last year, while Taiwan reported 485 cases last year—recording the highest number in nine years.

Hepatitis A is an acute hepatitis disease transmitted through contaminated water or food and through contact with infected individuals. There is no specific treatment, so care is based on alleviating symptoms. While children often show no symptoms or only mild symptoms, more than 70% of adults experience symptoms, including jaundice.

In Korea, particular attention should be paid to the immunity gap among people in their 20s to 40s. This is due not only to decreased opportunities for natural antibody acquisition resulting from improved hygiene conditions, but also because many people were born before 2015, when hepatitis A was added to the National Immunization Program (NIP).

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends vaccination for adults under 40 who have no history of hepatitis A vaccination and have never been previously infected, without requiring antibody testing. For those aged 40 or older, vaccination is recommended only after an antibody test shows no antibodies. The vaccine is usually administered in two doses, 6 to 18 months apart.

Pertussis, which is spread through the respiratory tract, is another infection to watch out for during the frequent gatherings of the holidays. Pertussis spreads through the coughs or sneezes of infected individuals, and the secondary infection rate within families can reach up to 80%.

When young children become infected, it can lead to severe complications. Authorities recommend that after children receive the Tdap vaccine at ages 11 to 12, adults should receive additional Td or Tdap booster shots every 10 years. Pregnant women are advised to receive the Tdap vaccine between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy, which allows them to pass antibodies on to the fetus.

Professor Yoo Byungwook from the Department of Family Medicine at Soonchunhyang University Hospital Seoul stated, "During periods like Chuseok, when multiple generations from infants to the elderly gather together in one place, proactive vaccination and basic infection prevention measures are more important than treatment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.