Chickenpox cases surge in South Jeolla Province, prompting calls for vaccination and hygiene

South Jeolla Province is experiencing a notable surge in chickenpox (varicella) cases, with reported infections jumping from 23 to 62 within a single week, according to the provincial infectious disease control support team. This increase, detailed in the "Infectious Disease Weekly News" for the 23rd week of 2026 (May 31 to June 6), marks a significant rise from the previous week's count of 23.

Over the past four weeks, the number of reported chickenpox cases in the province has shown an upward trend: 37 cases in week 20, 41 in week 21, 23 in week 22, and 62 in week 23. The most affected areas within the province during week 23 were Yeosu City with 12 cases, Gwangyang City with 11, and Gurye County with 8, collectively accounting for half of the reported cases.

Nationally and within South Jeolla Province, elementary school students (ages 7-12) represent the largest age group affected by chickenpox. In the province, this group accounted for 35.9% of cases (175 students), while nationally it was 41.6% (6,634 students). Notably, South Jeolla Province showed higher proportions of cases among middle school students (23.4% vs. national 21.1%) and high school students (12.3% vs. national 10%), highlighting the importance of infection control within school environments.

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Recently, chickenpox patients have been increasing in the province, and with group activities like summer training and field trips expected to increase, infection prevention management centered on daycare centers and schools is becoming even more important.

Chickenpox is an acute, itchy, blistering rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Its high contagiousness can lead to outbreaks in group settings like daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools. Health authorities emphasize that chickenpox is preventable through vaccination and stress the importance of timely immunization according to the national vaccination schedule.

Jeong Gwang-seon, head of the Health and Welfare Bureau for South Jeolla Province, urged parents and educational institutions to strictly follow hygiene practices such as handwashing, covering coughs, and regular indoor ventilation. He noted the increased risk with upcoming summer group activities like training camps and field trips, underscoring the critical need for infection prevention, particularly in childcare facilities and schools.

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We hope parents and educational institutions will thoroughly observe personal hygiene practices such as handwashing, cough etiquette, and indoor ventilation.