South Korea reports first suspected cases of monkeypox
South Korea has reported its first two suspected cases of monkeypox, public health officials said on Wednesday.
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) said the two probable cases were found earlier on Tuesday, and diagnostic tests were conducted.
Meanwhile, their identities were withheld.
However, hospital officials said that one of the individuals was admitted at the Incheon Medical Centre in Incheon, west of Seoul, at 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday.
The person reportedly showed potential symptoms of the infectious disease while entering the country via Incheon International Airport.
The hospital has two beds designated for monkeypox cases.
“The person is isolated as a suspected case and will undergo a test,” an official said, declining to give further details.
The virus, traditionally confined to Central and Western African regions, can cause symptoms that include fever, chills, rash and lesions.
The country has been vigilant against a potential inflow of monkeypox as an increasing number of countries have reported cases of the viral disease, and international travel has increased following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Health authorities have designated monkeypox as a second-degree infectious disease out of a four-tier system.
Currently, 22 contagious diseases, including COVID-19, cholera and chickenpox were included in the same category.
Last week, officials said the government was seeking to import the antiviral drug tecovirimat for 500 people by July.
Monkeypox patients will be treated in isolation in specialised hospitals. Health authorities said that a 21-day mandatory self-isolation period is being considered for those with a high risk of transmission after being in close contact with monkey pox patients.
(Yonhap/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Govt threatens to stop salaries of striking Kenyan doctors after failed negotiations
The strike has paralysed medical activities in the East African country.
Economy
Naira loses 0.64% against dollar at official market
At the Investor’s and Exporter’s window on Tuesday, the naira traded between N1, 367 and N1, 098 against the dollar.
Africa
Gabon’s national dialogue proposes economic development, good governance
Mr Mve stated that youth unemployment was one-factor government officials believed to be linked to mounting insecurity.
Lagos
Nigeria’s ruling APC used political thugs to suppress Igbo votes in Lagos, rig Sanwo-Olu back to office: U.S. Govt
“Viral videos on social media showed APC supporters in Ojo threatening to attack ethnic Igbo voters presumed to be pro-Obi.’’
NationWide
Public procurement association tasks members on ethical values, best practices
“We are trained to identify those risks and mitigate them.’’
Sport
Mbappe leads PSG’s 4-1 victory over relegation-haunted Lorient
Lorient keeper Yvon Mvogo had to get down well to palm away Mbappe’s curling 17th-minute effort.