Epidemiology and Health  2019;41(1):2019044-

doi:10.4178/epih.e2019044

Estimating the medical capacity required to administer mass prophylaxis: a hypothetical outbreak of smallpox virus infection in Korea

Sangwoo TAK 1 ; Soomin LIM ; Heesu KIM

Affiliations

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Keywords

Smallpox; Surge capacity; Government; Vaccination

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the medical surge capacity required for mass prophylaxis based on a hypothetical outbreak of smallpox.METHODS: We performed a simulation using the Bioterrorism and Epidemic Outbreak Response Model and varied some important parameters, such as the number of core medical personnel and the number of dispensing clinics.RESULTS: Gaps were identified in the medical surge capacity of the Korean government, especially in the number of medical personnel who could respond to the need for mass prophylaxis against smallpox.CONCLUSIONS: The Korean government will need to train 1,000 or more medical personnel for such an event, and will need to prepare many more dispensing centers than are currently available.