J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Mar;40(8):e108. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e108.

Surveillance System for Infectious Disease Prevention and Management: Direction of Korea’s Infectious Disease Surveillance System

• Jang Y
• Lee H
• Park H

• KMID: 2565791
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e108

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases have risen sharply due to population growth, urbanization, travel, trade, and environmental changes, with outbreaks like severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and coronavirus disease 2019 highlighting the global need for effective surveillance systems. Various infectious disease surveillance systems are applied depending on the surveillance objectives, target populations, and geographical scope. While Korea has a robust surveillance system, challenges remain in integrating data, enhancing coordination, and improving response efficiency. This article reviews the types and roles of infectious disease surveillance systems through a literature review and proposes strategies for improving Korea’s surveillance system by comparing it with those of other countries, including the World Health Organization (WHO). To strengthen Korea’s surveillance framework, a comprehensive strategy should be implemented to interconnect multiple surveillance mechanisms and enhance real-time data sharing. A centralized data platform must integrate these systems, leveraging artificial intelligence and big data analytics for faster outbreak analysis. International collaboration through data-sharing networks with the WHO, European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, and U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is essential, along with standardized reporting formats to improve interoperability.

Keyword

Epidemiological Monitoring; Infectious Disease; Pandemic Preparedness; South Korea; Surveillance System

Figure

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  Fig. 1 2022 Monthly Middle East respiratory syndrome suspicion report and suspected patient status.

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  Fig. 2 Sentinel surveillance system reporting flowchart.

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  Fig. 3 National crisis alert level in Korea.

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