Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Article

Hepatitis A Outbreak in a Facility for the Disabled, Gyeonggi Province, Korea: An Epidemiological Investigation: Yeonhwa Chang, Chanhee Kim, Nayoung Kim, Joon Jai Kim, Heeyoung Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2021;54(5):370-375. Published online September 2, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.21.349

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Objectives
The number of cases of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infections has sharply increased in Korea, especially among young adults. In this study, an HAV outbreak in a facility for disabled people was investigated, and we found epidemiological differences both between 2 different generations and between generally abled and disabled groups.
Methods
We analyzed the incubation period and attack rate of an HAV outbreak and investigated the prevalence of HAV antibodies among the staff and residents of a facility for the disabled. We performed a retrospective cohort study during the HAV outbreak, which lasted from February 8 to 25, 2019, including examinations of HAV antibody tests and post-exposure HAV vaccination for the staff or residents of the facility.
Results
There were 9 confirmed cases in 2 staff members and 7 residents. Among 53 people (30 staff and 23 residents), except for the 9 confirmed cases and 1 staff member with a known history of HAV infection, HAV seroprevalence was seen in 16.7% of the staff under 40 years of age and 95.2% of those over 40 years of age, while the corresponding rates in the residents were 0.0% and 58.8%, respectively.
Conclusions
This result implies that it is necessary to prioritize HAV vaccination for vulnerable groups and workers of residential care facilities.

Summary

Korean summary
본 연구는 장애인 거주시설에서 발생한 A형간염 유행 사례를 다루고 있다. 그 결과 거주시설 소속의 장애인들은 종사자들보다 높은 발병률(attack rate)을 나타냈을 뿐만 아니라, 비슷한 연령의 일반 인구집단보다 낮은 항체유병률을 나타내는 것으로 확인되었다. 거주시설 소속의 장애인들과 같이 취약한 인구집단은 예방접종 이력을 확인하기 어려울 뿐만 아니라 병원체에 자연스럽게 노출 기회가 적을 수밖에 없기 때문에, 예방접종 정책 수립 시 우선 접종의 대상으로 고려될 필요가 있다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The Shifting Epidemiology of Hepatitis A in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region
Nina G. Gloriani, Sheriah Laine M. de Paz-Silava, Robert D. Allison, Yoshihiro Takashima, Tigran Avagyan
Vaccines.2024; 12(2): 204. CrossRef
A Study on the Detection Rate of Hepatitis A from Gastroenteritis Patients and the Genotype Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus in Busan
Sun Hee Park, Chanhee Kim, Summi Lee, Jihye Jeong, Junghye Choi, Seung Ju Lee
Journal of Bacteriology and Virology.2023; 53(2): 74. CrossRef
A Study on the Detection Rate of Hepatitis A from Gastroenteritis Patients and the Genotype Analysis of Hepatitis A Virus in Busan
Sun Hee Park, Chanhee Kim, Summi Lee, Jihye Jeong, Junghye Choi, Seung Ju Lee
Journal of Bacteriology and Virology.2023; 53(2): 74. CrossRef

Brief Report

Epidemiological Investigation of an Outbreak of Salmonellosis in Gyeongju, Korea: Seok-Ju Yoo, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2014;47(3):177-181. Published online May 30, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2014.47.3.177

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Abstract PDF

Objectives

A salmonellosis outbreak occurred within a community of Gyeongju residents who ingested catered food from a wedding in June 2009. We aimed to epidemiologically investigate the probable vehicle of the infection.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 34 local residents who ingested the wedding food.

Results

Among the 34 residents, 31 (91.2%) reported symptoms of infection after eating the food. Among all of the wedding foods, pan-fried foods were highly associated with the diarrheal attack rate. On bacteriological examination, Salmonella species were detected in the pan-fried foods among the leftover foods and in 17 of the 31 stool specimens from the cases. There were five different types of pan-fried foods, but the onset of symptoms was independent of the ingredients used. We found that the pan-fried food was prepared at a food store in Seoul and that eggs were a common ingredient.

Conclusions

The major cause of the salmonellosis in this population was presumed to be the pan-fried food prepared with contaminated eggs. These food items might have been partially undercooked because of their irregular shape, which allowed the Salmonella species to survive and multiply before ingestion.

Summary

Citations

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Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in the feces of free-roaming wildlife throughout South Korea
Rahman M. Mafizur, Lim Sangjin, Park Y. Chul, Csaba Varga
PLOS ONE.2024; 19(2): e0281006. CrossRef
DISINFECTION OF MARKETABLE EGGS BY PLASMA-CHEMICALLY ACTIVATED AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
О. Pivovarov, О. Kovalova, V. Koshulko
Food Science and Technology.2022;[Epub] CrossRef
Salmonella in eggs: From shopping to consumption—A review providing an evidence‐based analysis of risk factors
Maria João Cardoso, Anca Ioana Nicolau, Daniela Borda, Line Nielsen, Rui Leandro Maia, Trond Møretrø, Vânia Ferreira, Susanne Knøchel, Solveig Langsrud, Paula Teixeira
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety.2021; 20(3): 2716. CrossRef
A dynamic predictive model for the growth of Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus in fresh egg yolk and scenario-based risk estimation
Jin Hwa Park, Mi Seon Kang, Kyung Min Park, Hee Young Lee, Gyeong Sik Ok, Min Seon Koo, Seok In Hong, Hyun Jung Kim
Food Control.2020; 118: 107421. CrossRef
Nationwide surveillance on serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles of non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars isolated from food-producing animals in South Korea
Abraham Fikru Mechesso, Dong Chan Moon, Su-Jeong Kim, Hyun-Ju Song, Hee Young Kang, Seok Hyeon Na, Ji-Hyun Choi, Ha-Young Kim, Soon-Seek Yoon, Suk-Kyung Lim
International Journal of Food Microbiology.2020; 335: 108893. CrossRef
Salmonella food-poisoning outbreak linked to the National School Nutrition Programme, North West province, South Africa
Thejane W. Motladiile, John M. Tumbo, Adrien Malumba, Bolaji Adeoti, Nozizwe J. Masekwane, Oleteng M.R. Mokate, Otsile C. Sebekedi
Southern African Journal of Infectious Diseases.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella from poultry industries in Korea
Jin Eui Kim, Young ju Lee
Irish Veterinary Journal.2017;[Epub] CrossRef

English Abstracts

Power Estimation and Follow-Up Period Evaluation in Korea Radiation Effect and Epidemiology Cohort Study.: In Seong Cho, Minkyo Song, Yunhee Choi, Zhong Min Li, Yoon Ok Ahn; J Prev Med Public Health. 2010;43(6):543-548.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2010.43.6.543

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Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to calculate sample size and power in an ongoing cohort, Korea radiation effect and epidemiology cohort (KREEC). METHOD: Sample size calculation was performed using PASS 2002 based on Cox regression and Poisson regression models. Person-year was calculated by using data from '1993-1997 Total cancer incidence by sex and age, Seoul' and Korean statistical informative service. RESULTS: With the assumption of relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8, sample size calculation was 405 events based on a Cox regression model. When the relative risk was assumed to be 1.5 then number of events was 170. Based on a Poisson regression model, relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8 rendered 385 events. Relative risk of 1.5 resulted in a total of 157 events. We calculated person-years (PY) with event numbers and cancer incidence rate in the non-exposure group. Based on a Cox regression model, with relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8, 136 245PY was needed to secure the power. In a Poisson regression model, with relative risk=1.3, exposure:non-exposure=1:2 and power=0.8, person-year needed was 129517PY. A total of 1939 cases were identified in KREEC until December 2007. CONCLUSIONS: A retrospective power calculation in an ongoing study might be biased by the data. Prospective power calculation should be carried out based on various assumptions prior to the study.

Summary

Citations

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Comparative Analysis of Driver Mutations and Transcriptomes in Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Region of Residence in South Korea
Jandee Lee, Seonhyang Jeong, Hwa Young Lee, Sunmi Park, Meesson Jeong, Young Suk Jo
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2023; 38(6): 720. CrossRef
Cancer Risk in Adult Residents near Nuclear Power Plants in Korea - A Cohort Study of 1992-2010
Yoon-Ok Ahn, Zhong Min Li
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2012; 27(9): 999. CrossRef

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis among Risk Population in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 2006.: Kwan Lee, Hyun Sul Lim, Woo Won Park, Sung Hwan Kim, Do Young Lee, Mi Yeoun Park, Youngju Hur; J Prev Med Public Health. 2007;40(4):285-290.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2007.40.4.285

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Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Cases of human brucellosis in Korea have recently increased due to the increasing incidence of bovine brucellosis. The authors conducted this study to elucidate the status of brucellosis through seroepidemiologic study. METHODS: We selected our study population from a high risk group. We conducted a questionnaire survey and obtained blood samples to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis antibodies for 10 days in February, 2005. The titers of brucellosis were measured by the combination of standard tube agglutination test (STA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. RESULTS: Our study subjects comprised 1,075 cases: 971 livestock workers, 51 veterinarians, and 53 artificial inseminators. In the STA test, 27 cases (2.5%) had titers of greater than or equal to 1:20. Of 1,068 cases (7 cases were excluded due to previous brucellosis), 7 cases of brucellosis were diagnosed with titers of 1:160, giving a seroprevalence of brucellosis of 0.66%. The seroprevalence in the male group was 0.95%, and that of livestock workers, veterinarians, and artificial inseminators was 0.52%, 4.17%, and 0.00%, respectively. The Spearman's correlation coefficient between the positive rate of bovine brucellosis per capita and household and human brucellosis was 0.806 and 0.744, respectively. The concordance rate between the Korea National Institute of Health and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Institute of Health and Environment by the STA and ELISA tests was 94.7% and 100.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicated in higher seroprevalence rate among veterinarians than among livestock workers and artificial inseminators. Because veterinarians may be exposed to this high risk, effective working guidelines for veterinarians to guard against brucellosis must be developed. Moreover, more extensive epidemiologic research for laboratory workers and meat handlers is needed.

Summary

Citations

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Awareness on Zoonoses among Pig Farmers in Korea
Seok-Ju Yoo, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2014; 39(4): 222. CrossRef
Evaluation and Selection of Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Primers for Genotyping Brucella abortus Biovar 1 Isolated from Human Patients
Subok Lee, Kyu-Jam Hwang, Mi-Yeoun Park, Seon-Do Hwang, Hee-Youl Chai, Hyuk Chu, Sang-Hee Park
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2013; 4(5): 265. CrossRef
Application of the Microagglutination Test for Serologic Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis
Sang-Hee Park, Yoo-Hoon Lee, Hyuk Chu, Seon-Do Hwang, Kyu-Jam Hwang, Hee-Yeol Choi, Mi-Yeoun Park
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives.2012; 3(1): 19. CrossRef
Awareness of Major Zoonoses among Dairy Farmers in Gyeonggi Province
Kum-Bal Choi, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Young-Sun Min
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2010; 35(4): 339. CrossRef
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis among Slaughterhouse Workers in Korea
Seok-Ju Yoo, Young-Sill Choi, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Mi Yeoun Park, Chaeshin Chu, Young-A Kang
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2009; 42(4): 237. CrossRef
The Relationship between Cerebrovascular Mortality and Community Health Indicators in Gangwon-do
Jeoung-Ha Sim, Mi-A Son
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2009; 34(1): 1. CrossRef
Awareness of Zoonoses among Cattle Slaughterhouse Workers in Korea
Hyun-Sul Lim, Seok-Ju Yoo, Kwan Lee
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2009; 34(1): 101. CrossRef
A review of published reports regarding zoonotic pathogen infection in veterinarians
Whitney S. Baker, Gregory C. Gray
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.2009; 234(10): 1271. CrossRef

Original Articles

Epidemiologic Investigation on an Outbreak of Cholera in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, 2001.: Jun Ho Lee, Hyun Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Jun Chul Kim, Sang Won Lee, Un Yeong Go, Byung Kuk Yang, Jong Koo Lee, Moon Sik Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 2002;35(4):295-304.

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to investigate the cause, magnitude and transmission route of the cholera outbreak in 2001. METHODS: The study population were those persons who ingested foods at the restaurant, were confirmed as cholera patients, had symptoms of diarrhea and served as workers at the restaurant. A questionnaire survey and microbiological examinations on the microbes isolated from rectal swabs were conducted. Of the cases, 316 food histories were surveyed by an analysis of the restaurant menu. RESUJLTS: There were 139 confirmed cases of cholera reported in Korea in 2001. Of these, 104 were related to the restaurant. By region, Gyeongsangbuk-do had the highest incidence with 91 cases. Of these 91 cases, 74 had ingested foods at the restaurant, 2 were employees and 3 were secondary infection cases within the families. The results of the odds ratio analysis of the 316 persons having ingested foods at the restaurant were as follows: sandwiches 5.07 (95% CI, 1.85-14.59), soybean curd 2.45 (95% CI, 1.09-5.56), noodles 2.34 (95% CI, 1.24-4.42), steamed squid 2.01 (95% CI, 1.17-3.47) and vinegared rice 1.82 (95% CI, 1.08-3.09). It was certain the restaurant in question was the cause of the 2001 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: We suspected that more than one restaurant employee contaminated foods served at the restaurant. In addition, eating raw fishes purchased at the Pohang Fisheries infected the employees of the restaurant. There is a possibility that these raw fishes were themselves contaminated by cholera bacilli in the sea.; Summary

A Study on the Seropositivity of HBsAg among Biennial Health Examinees: A Nation-wide Multicenter Survey.: Dae Sung Kim, Young Sik Kim, Jae Yong Kim, Yoon Ok Ahn; Korean J Prev Med. 2002;35(2):129-135.

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBsAg-positives in the late 1990's among Korean adults. In addition, we evaluated the association of age, a residential area, a vaccination rate, a family history of chronic liver diseases and a past history of acute liver disease with the seropositivity of HBsAg, and estimated the prevalence of chronic HBV infection by follow-up for 6 month or more. METHODS: A total of 10 areas, six metropolitan and four small cities, were selected. In each cities, one health screening center was selected for recruitment of study subjects. The study subjects were enrolled from a general health examination program that is provided by medical insurance companies. Questionnaires on various risk factors were administered to the study subjects. Sera was drawn and tested for HBsAg by radioimmunoassay. HBeAg and ALT were also tested for those of HBsAg positive. The HBsAg positives was retest for HBsAg 6 months later. RESULTS: Among the study subjects (n= 1816), the seroprevalence of HBsAg was 5.5% (95% CI= 4.5%-6.6%), 7.4% in men (95% CI= 5.8-9.4) and 3.6% in women (95% CI= 2.5-5.0). A past history of acute liver disease and a family history of chronic liver diseases was shown to be risk factors for HBsAg positivity. Among the 31 HBsAg-positives, negative seroconversion rate was estimated to be 3.2 %, Thus, prevalence of chronic HBV infection was estimated to be 5.3% (95% CI= 3.7-6.6). CONCLUSION: In this study, the HBsAg seroprevalence rate was lower than that of the other studies in 1980's, particularly in young adult and women. Considering the public health importance of liver cancer and chronic liver diseases, the further effort is needed to prevent and reduce the HBV infection.; Summary

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