South Korea reports first two suspected monkeypox cases, tests underway
SOUTH Korea on Wednesday said the first two suspected cases of monkeypox virus have been reported in the country, adding that diagnostic tests were being conducted and health authorities will hold a briefing once the tests were completed.
One of the people with suspected monkeypox, a foreign national who reportedly showed potential symptoms since Sunday, entered the country on Monday and is currently under treatment in an isolation bed at a hospital in the city of Busan, some 300 km south-east of the capital Seoul.
The other, a Korean citizen who showed symptoms while entering the country from Germany on Tuesday afternoon, has been admitted to Incheon Medical Center for treatment.
“Diagnostic tests and epidemiological investigations on the monkeypox are being conducted and the health authority will swiftly hold a briefing to announce measures and response plans once the results are out,” the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said in a statement.
KDCA, however, did not give further details of the individuals.
Earlier this month, South Korea designated monkeypox as a second-degree infectious disease, according to its four-tier system, with 22 contagious diseases including Covid-19, cholera and chickenpox being included in the same category. REUTERS
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
China 2024 growth outlook raised to 4.8%, deflation risk lingers
Luxury sector outlook clouded by China’s slow recovery
TikTok CEO expects to defeat US restrictions: ‘We aren’t going anywhere’
TikTok artists and advertisers to stay with app until ‘door slams shut’
Biden signs Ukraine aid, TikTok ban Bills after Republican battle
UAE announces US$544 million for rain repairs, says lessons 'learned'