Gwangju Metropolitan City has conducted a simulation training exercise to prepare for potential human infections from avian influenza (AI) and other emerging infectious diseases.
On September 11, Gwangju held the '2026 Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Disease Crisis Management Training' at Hotel Hyundai by Lahan Mokpo, as announced on September 12.
The training involved over 140 participants from relevant agencies, including the Honam Disease Control Center, health offices from 22 cities and counties, disaster and livestock departments, fire services, police, and medical institutions.
This exercise focused on enhancing initial response capabilities and assessing inter-agency collaboration in light of the ongoing risk of human infection from avian influenza outbreaks abroad.
Gwangju's geographical characteristics, with many migratory bird habitats and poultry farms, underscore the importance of establishing a robust response system not only for livestock protection but also for potential human infections.
The training simulated a scenario involving a suspected human case of avian influenza, incorporating practical exercises, personal protective equipment (Level D) training, theoretical education, and discussion-based training.
During the practical exercises, health officials from local offices practiced the step-by-step initial response procedures, from receiving reports of suspected cases to conducting epidemiological investigations, transporting patients, and collecting specimens, using role-playing and quiz formats.
Additionally, training included practical sessions on donning and doffing personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of personnel during infectious disease response operations.
Following this, theoretical education on the characteristics of avian influenza and response systems was provided, after which participants from health offices, disaster and livestock departments, fire services, police, health and environmental research institutes, and quarantine stations were divided into 13 groups to discuss agency roles and response strategies for various scenarios.
Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to continuously strengthen its response capabilities by reviewing and enhancing the procedures and collaboration systems identified during this training, ensuring they can be applied in real-world situations involving emerging infectious disease crises.
Jeong Kwang-seon, head of the Health and Welfare Bureau of Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, “With the increasing risk of new infectious diseases entering the country due to climate change and increased international exchanges, it is crucial to have practical training and inter-agency collaboration systems in place.”
He emphasized, “Through this training, we will ensure a swift and thorough response to protect the health and lives of our citizens.”
Avian influenza human infection is a disease that can infect people exposed to birds infected with the avian influenza virus or contaminated environments. It is essential to adhere to preventive measures, such as wearing personal protective equipment and practicing hand hygiene, especially during processes that involve contact with potentially infected birds. Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to maintain information sharing and a joint response system among relevant agencies, including livestock protection departments and health authorities, to prepare for the possibility of human infections.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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