CHATGPT

[2026-01-18]Norovirus Cases Surge: Hygiene Guidelines Urged for Young Children

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In the second week of 2026, norovirus cases reached a five-year high of 548, with children aged 0-6 accounting for 39.6% of patients.
Main transmission routes include contaminated food and person-to-person contact, with group infections frequently occurring in childcare facilities.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stresses proper handwashing, thorough cooking, and environmental disinfection, especially when cases arise.

[2026-01-18]Rise in Influenza B Among Youths: Health Authorities Urge Vaccination and Prevention

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In the second week of 2026, the number of suspected influenza cases per 1,000 outpatients rose to 40.9, a slight increase from the previous week.
Incidence is highest among children and adolescents aged 7–18, with Influenza B detection rates climbing to 17.6%.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends following respiratory infection prevention guidelines and urges high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

[2026-01-18]African Swine Fever and Avian Influenza Detected in Gangneung and Cheonan, Quarantine Measures Tightened

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On January 17, African Swine Fever was confirmed at a pig farm in Gangneung, and highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected at a poultry farm in Cheonan.
A total of 20,150 pigs and numerous poultry are being culled, with emergency quarantine actions and movement bans enforced in affected regions.
Authorities urge all farms nationwide to strictly follow disinfection and biosecurity protocols to prevent further outbreaks.

[2026-01-18]Korean Government Launches ‘K-Export Star 500’ to Boost Promising Exporters

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The Korean government has launched the ‘K-Export Star 500’ project to nurture 500 promising companies into star exporters with annual exports exceeding $10 million.
Five specialized agencies, including KOTRA, will provide support in premium marketing, certification, export finance, and R&D consulting, with selected companies receiving up to 560 million KRW and one-on-one mentoring.
This initiative aims to address export polarization and achieve $1 trillion in exports, with applications open until February 11.

[2026-01-18]South Korea to Enhance Inter-Korean Trade and Food Safety Regulations

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The Ministry of Unification is revising regulations to boost private inter-Korean trade.
Key changes include amendments to the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act and new guidelines for North Korean food imports.
These measures are expected to strengthen food safety and improve predictability for trading companies.

[2026-01-18]Korean Government Expands Childcare Support and Raises Service Fees in 2024

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The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has expanded the income eligibility for government-supported childcare services to households earning up to 250% of the median income and raised the service fee by 5%.
Single-parent, grandparent, disabled, and teen parent families can now receive up to 1,080 hours of support per year, with the 2024 budget increased by 120.3 billion KRW.
From April, a national qualification system and registration for private providers will enhance the reliability and professionalism of childcare services.