Pertussis epidemic in Korea and implications for epidemic control

The pertussis epidemic in Korea is ongoing, with a record-high incidence rate. Although pertussis incidence is high worldwide in 2024, the scale of the increase observed in Korea is unprecedented and incomparable to that in other countries. The high proportion of cases among children aged 5 to 14 years is the distinctive characteristics of the 2024 pertussis epidemic in Korea. To accurately interpret the epidemiological trend in pertussis incidence in Korea, validating the surveillance system and evaluating vaccine efficacy and effectiveness are essential.