PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Objective: In 2024, pertussis cases increased significantly worldwide, including in Korea. This report summarizes a pertussis outbreak involving 58 confirmed cases at a psychiatric institution in OO, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, from September 4 to November 1, 2024, and aims to provide insights for future prevention and control measures.
Methods: An outbreak epidemiological investigation was conducted at a psychiatric institution in OO, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, targeting both residents and staff. Cases were defined as individuals who tested positive for Bordetella pertussis via PCR during the study period. The investigation included mass screening, daily symptom monitoring, isolation, administration of prophylactic antibiotics, and vaccination. Data on symptoms, underlying conditions, and vaccination history were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: On September 4, 2024, the first pertussis case was confirmed through pneumonia screening at another institution, and a total of 58 cases were identified. The main symptoms were cough (87.9%) and vomiting (5.2%), while 12.1% were asymptomatic. The outbreak primarily affected the second floor, with shared space usage estimated as a major transmission factor. Communication barriers hindered symptom recognition and vaccination verification. However, preventive measures, including antibiotics and vaccination, helped minimize further transmission. No additional cases were reported until the end of the surveillance period on November 1, confirming outbreak containment.
Conclusion: Effective control of pertussis in vulnerable facilities requires verifying vaccination records, administering booster doses if needed, and proactive screening. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and infection control measures.

Key words Bordetella pertussis, Mental Hospitals, Outbreak, Vaccination, Communicable Disease Control