Occupational Infection in Korea.
10.3346/jkms.2010.25.S.S53
- Author:
Yun Kyung CHUNG
1
;
Yeon Soon AHN
;
Jae Sim JEONG
Author Information
1. Occupational Safety & Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Korea. yk.chungmd@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Occupational;
Infectious Disease;
Korea;
Health Care Workers;
Viral Hepatitis;
Tuberculosis
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Aged, 80 and over;
Bacterial Infections/*epidemiology;
Female;
Humans;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Mycoses/*epidemiology;
Occupational Diseases/*epidemiology;
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects;
Occupational Health/legislation & jurisprudence;
Protozoan Infections/*epidemiology;
Republic of Korea/epidemiology;
Risk Factors;
Virus Diseases/*epidemiology;
Workers' Compensation
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2010;25(Suppl):S53-S61
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Occupational infection is a human disease caused by work-associated exposure to microbial agents through human and environmental contact. According to the literature, occupational infection was the third leading cause of occupational disease (861 cases, 8.0%), and health care, agricultural, forestry, and fishery workers were risk groups in Korea. In addition, most high-risk groups have not been protected by workers' compensation, which could lead to underestimation of the exact spectrum and magnitude of the problem, and may also result in a lack of development and implementation of occupational infection management. Through a review of national guidelines and documentations on prevention and control of occupational infection, a management strategy would promote adherence to worker safety regulations if it is explicit with regard to the agent and mode of infection in each of the high-risk groups.
