Epidemiology of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in endemic area of the Republic of Korea, 1995-1998.
We conducted an epidemiologic study to understand temporal and spatial patterns of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in the Republic of Korea (ROK). We estimated the incidence among civilians in endemic areas through the active surveillance system during the major epidemic periods, from September to December, between 1996 and 1998. We also estimated the prevalence among Korean military personnel from 1995 to 1998. In addition, we assessed seroprevalence, subclinical infection rate, and vaccination rates in both civilians and military personnel. The incidence in civilians ranged from 2.1 to 6.6 per 100, 000 person-months. The annual prevalence in the military personnel was 40-64 per 100, 000 military populations, and remained generally constant throughout the study period with seasonal variation. This is the prospective epidemiologic data set on HFRS in the ROK since the inactivated Hantaan virus vaccine was licensed for use in the late 1990s. These results will be invaluable in establishing a national immunization program against HFRS.
Song
Joon Young
JY
Division of Infectious Diseases, Korea University, College of Medicine, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Korea.
Chun
Byung Chul
BC
Kim
Soon Duck
SD
Baek
Luck Ju
LJ
Kim
Sang-Hoon
SH
Sohn
Jang Wook
JW
Cheong
Hee Jin
HJ
Kim
Woo Joo
WJ
Park
Seung Chul
SC
Kim
Min Ja
MJ
D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006480:Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007723:Korea; D008889:Military Personnel; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012621:Seasons; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data