Characteristics and trends of severe/critical COVID-19cases in the Republic of Korea (January 2020 to August 2023)
10.24171/j.phrp.2024.0295
- Author:
Se-Jin JEONG
1
;
Shin Young PARK
;
Boyeong RYU
;
Misuk AN
;
Jin-Hwan JEON
;
So Young CHOI
;
Seong-Sun KIM
Author Information
1. Division of Disease Control Research Planning, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:Short Communication
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2025;16(1):81-88
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:We analyzed the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosedwith coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), focusing specifically on severe/critical cases, andassessed the trends and rates of severity and fatality among these patients in the Republic of Korea.
Methods:Clinical data on patients with COVID-19 from January 20, 2020 to August 30, 2023were collected from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s database. We identified patients who progressed to severe/critical conditions and analyzed their demographic and clinical profiles. Severity and fatality rates were calculated and compared annually to track thedisease progression over time.
Results:During the surveillance period, 34,572,554 COVID-19 cases were confirmed, among whom 38,112 (0.11%) progressed to severe/critical conditions. Most severe/critical cases occurred in individuals aged ≥60 years, with a notable increase in patients aged ≥80 years from 2022.The overall severity rate was 0.19%, with a fatality rate of 0.10%. However, the severity of cases gradually diminished during the study period. In 2022, the severity and fatality rates decreased to 0.14% and 0.09%, respectively. In 2023, while the severity rate remained stable at 0.15%, thefatality rate further decreased to 0.06%. Notably, throughout the study period, individuals aged ≥80 years had a significantly higher severity rate (2.44%), with a fatality rate of 1.75%.
Conclusion:These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing protection and management strategies for older adults and high-risk groups to mitigate the impact ofCOVID-19. Continued surveillance and analysis are essential to effectively control COVID-19 and minimize its burden on public health.
