KRIn late summer, there has been an unusual increase in influenza cases among children aged 7 to 12 in South Korea, prompting health authorities to prepare for issuing a flu alert this week. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), influenza cases have risen rapidly since late August, coinciding with the start of the school year. Data from outpatient clinics show that the rate of suspected influenza patients per 1,000 visitors reached 13.3 during the 35th week of the year, significantly higher than the same period last year. The highest rate was observed in children aged 7–12, at 36.5 cases per 1,000 patients. Influenza virus detection rates have also increased compared to previous weeks. Similar trends are being reported in neighboring countries like Japan and China. While the scale of the current outbreak is expected to be similar to last year, the duration of the outbreak could be longer. Additionally, while COVID-19 cases remain lower than last year, they have shown a steady increase over the past six weeks. The KDCA plans to begin influenza vaccinations for children under 14 and pregnant women starting next month and has urged the public to follow预防措施
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on the rise in influenza cases and the government’s response, including planned vaccination efforts and public health advisories. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing that would indicate a clear ideological lean.
