[Surveillance of Wateborne and Foodborne Disease Outbreaks in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea, 2023-2024].

Objectives: This surveillance report aimed to analyze the characteristics of water- and food-borne outbreaks reported in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do from 2023 to 2024, and to provide data to support infectious disease prevention and response strategies. Methods: Outbreak data reported through the national disease surveillance system were analyzed, focusing on outbreak scale, locations, identified pathogens, and sources of infection. Results: A total of 123 outbreaks were reported over the 2-year period, with 40 in Daegu Metropolitan City and 83 in Gyeongsangbuk-do. The incidence per 100,000 persons was higher in Gyeongsangbuk-do (19.7 cases per 100,000) than in Daegu (17.4 cases per 100,000). In Daegu Metropolitan City, most outbreaks occurred in educational facilities (37.5%), whereas in Gyeongsangbuk-do, restaurants were the most common setting (59.0%). Seasonally, 42.5% and 28.9% of outbreaks in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do occurred in winter (December-February) and summer (June-August), respectively, indicating a relatively higher seasonal occurrence; however, sporadic cases were observed throughout the year without strong seasonal concentrations. Of the pathogens identified in 67.5% of outbreaks, norovirus was the most common agent in both regions. Conclusions: The findings indicated that water- and food-borne disease outbreaks in Daegu Metropolitan City and Gyeongsangbuk-do were not limited to specific seasons or settings, highlighting the need to maintain seasonal response strategies while strengthening year-round surveillance and response systems.