Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: In 2024, Korea experienced a nationwide pertussis epidemic, with Gyeonggi Province accounting for nearly one-third of reported cases. This study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak and explored the association between vaccination history and healthcare utilization. METHODS: We analyzed 14,275 pertussis cases reported in Gyeonggi Province in 2024 using de-identified national surveillance data. Comparisons were performed by age group (<20 vs. ≥20 years) and vaccination status (<20 years). The chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used, and effect sizes were assessed using Cramér's V. RESULTS: Of all cases, 89.8% occurred in individuals <20 years, particularly those aged 10-14 years. Children and adolescents were more often involved in clusters and had more identified contacts than adults, whereas adults had higher rates of hospitalization (13.2 vs. 5.9%) and emergency visits (4.4 vs. 0.9%; p<0.001). Among individuals <20 years, hospitalization was more common in the unvaccinated or unknown group (11.7%) than in the fully (5.9%) or partially vaccinated (5.5%) groups (p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemic was concentrated in school-aged populations, particularly adolescents. While vaccination status showed a limited association with healthcare utilization, individuals who were unvaccinated or had an undocumented vaccination history experienced delayed diagnosis and higher care needs. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening adolescent-focused vaccination strategies and preparedness for future pertussis outbreaks.
Source: Epidemiology and Health
Authors: Yeon Hwa Chang, Kyujin Chang, Yeong Jun Ju
Institution: Ajou University
Language: English
Subfield: Microbiology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4417524143