Domestic Health Authorities Dispatch Epidemiologists to China... All Suspected Patients Test Negative (Comprehensive)

Understanding Local Situation at Korean Embassy During Week
All Suspected Patients Test Negative... Heightened Attention to WHO Recommendations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The government has decided to dispatch epidemiologists to China as the novel coronavirus, known as Wuhan pneumonia, spreads.

Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), stated on the 23rd, "We will send epidemiologists to the Korean embassy in China to protect Korean residents and promptly assess the local situation."

The epidemiologists from KCDC, scheduled to depart that day, will be stationed at the Korean Embassy in Beijing to protect Korean nationals residing in China while simultaneously monitoring the situation in Wuhan. They plan to change their place of stay if necessary. Director Jung explained, "Their role as experts is to support epidemiological investigations, patient management, and infection control in cooperation with the embassy if any Korean residents contract the novel coronavirus."

Currently, a food and drug official affiliated with the Korean Embassy in China is gathering local information. Once the epidemiologists arrive, it is expected that they will efficiently collect necessary information by communicating with the China CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and the National Health Commission.

Domestic health authorities also announced that all 21 individuals classified as suspected cases tested negative. Director Jung said, "All 21 individuals were tested and confirmed negative, so they have been released from isolation. There are currently no symptomatic individuals undergoing testing or awaiting tests."

One confirmed patient in Korea is isolated and receiving treatment in a government-designated hospital bed. The patient has a slight fever but remains in a stable condition. Director Jung stated, "For confirmed patients, isolation will be lifted after two consecutive negative genetic tests conducted 24 hours apart, following consultation between epidemiologists and clinical doctors as symptoms improve."

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) is scheduled to decide on declaring an international emergency regarding Wuhan pneumonia on the same day (local time). Director Jung said, "WHO will announce recommendations along with the emergency declaration, and we are closely monitoring whether high-level measures such as travel or trade restrictions are included. Our domestic response may change depending on the recommendations."

As of that morning, there were 448 confirmed cases abroad. By country, there are 440 in China, 4 in Thailand, 1 in Japan, 1 in Taiwan, 1 in the United States, and 1 in Macao.