Trend in Viral Infectious Diseases in Children

Diseases caused by viral infections include mild illnesses such as common cold or exhibit temporary, non-life threatening symptoms such as mild fever, vomiting, diarrhea and rash, and as well as serious diseases which can be debilitating or life threatening such as measles, HIV/AIDS, and various hemorrhagic fevers. Viral infections occur in all age groups but particularly affect infants and young children. Some viral infections have become rare due to successful, widespread immunization programs. Although a high profile viral infection such as smallpox was eradicated by successful immunization efforts, the total number of human pathogenic viruses are increasing. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary for the founding of the Korean Society for Infectious Diseases, I will profile the viral diseases affecting children which have recently drawn our attention.