Researchers at Inha University, Department of Internal Medicine publish new data on influenza epidemiology
2007 NOV 20 -- Current study results from the report, 'Influenza surveillance in Korea: establishment and first results of an epidemiological and virological surveillance scheme,' have been published. According to recent research from Korea, "Surveillance is an important component of influenza control. This report describes the establishment and first results of the Korean Influenza Surveillance Scheme (KISS), an integrated clinical and laboratory surveillance network involving 622 public health centres (PHCs) and private clinics." "Sentinel physicians reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) weekly and forwarded specimens for virus isolation and characterization. Influenza activity during the opening 2000-2001 season was milder and delayed compared with previous years. The ILI consultation rate corresponded well with the number of influenza virus isolates, both peaking in week 10 of 2001. Influenza A(H3N2) was the dominant isolate. The peak ILI consultation rate was higher in private clinics than in PHCs (5.04 vs 1.79 cases/1000 visits). An evaluation questionnaire generated potential enhancements to the scheme," wrote J.S. Lee and colleagues, Inha University, Department of Internal Medicine. The researchers concluded: "KISS appears to represent the pattern of influenza activity accurately and will have a valuable role in monitoring and preventing epidemics in Korea." Lee and colleagues published their study in Epidemiology and Infection (Influenza surveillance in Korea: establishment and first results of an epidemiological and virological surveillance scheme. Epidemiology and Infection, 2007;135(7):1117-23). For additional information, contact J.S. Lee, College of Medicine, Dept. of Internal Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea. Publisher contact information for the journal Epidemiology and Infection is: Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th St., New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. Keywords: Korea, Influenza Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Flu, Influenza. This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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