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Comparative Study
. 2007 Oct;135(7):1117-23.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268807007820. Epub 2007 Feb 12.

Influenza surveillance in Korea: establishment and first results of an epidemiological and virological surveillance scheme

J-S Lee  1 , K-C Shin, B-K Na, J-Y Lee, C Kang, J-H Kim, O Park, E-K Jeong, J-K Lee, J-W Kwon, S-C Park, W-J Kim
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Influenza surveillance in Korea: establishment and first results of an epidemiological and virological surveillance scheme

J-S Lee et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2007 Oct.

Abstract

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. KISS appears to represent the pattern of influenza activity accurately and will have a valuable role in monitoring and preventing epidemics in Korea.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Comparison of the weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate and the number of influenza virus isolates, Korea, 2001–2002. formula image, A(H1N1); □, A(H3N2); –◆–, ILI cases per 1000 visits.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Weekly age group distribution among patients with an influenza-like illness (ILI), Korea, 2000–2001. formula image, 0–2; formula image, 3–6; □, 7–19; formula image, 20–49; formula image, 50–64; ■, ⩾65 years.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Comparison of the weekly influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate (cases per 1000 visits) in public health centres (PHCs) and private clinics, Korea, 2001–2002. ––△––, Total; - -◆- -, PHCs; ––■––, private clinics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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