"Additional Confirmed Case of Korean Returning from China with Wuhan Pneumonia... Signs of Spread in Various Countries (Comprehensive)"

KCDC: "Second confirmed case of novel coronavirus in a Korean man in his 50s returning from Wuhan via Shanghai"
Multiple cases reported outside Greater China region, third after Thailand and Vietnam

On the afternoon of the 20th, employees of the National Quarantine Station under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency are conducting fever checks on passengers arriving from Wuhan at the arrival hall of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection, also known as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' has increased to two in South Korea. The second case is a Korean man in his mid-50s who worked in Wuhan, China, and returned to Korea. This follows a 30-year-old Chinese woman who arrived on the 19th, making it four days apart. Among countries outside Greater China, South Korea is the third to report more than one case, following Thailand and Vietnam.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) stated on the 24th, "The second confirmed patient departed Wuhan on the 22nd, transited through Shanghai, and returned via Gimpo Airport." They added, "During quarantine, fever and sore throat were detected, leading to active monitoring. On the 23rd, after testing at a public health center's screening clinic, the patient was confirmed to have the novel coronavirus."

Since the first patient was reported last month in Wuhan, China, cases have rapidly increased locally, and confirmed cases have also been reported consecutively overseas. According to the Chinese National Health Commission, 259 new confirmed cases were added in one day, bringing the total to 830. Deaths have risen to 25. One death was reported in Hebei Province, outside Hubei Province where Wuhan is located; this is the first death outside Hubei.

China reports 259 new cases in one day, total 830
First death reported outside Hubei Province

According to the National Health Commission, Thailand has 3 confirmed cases (2 under treatment), and Vietnam has 2. Japan and the United States each have one confirmed case. Singapore reported its first case the previous day, and the U.S. has one additional suspected case who traveled to Wuhan. Chinese health authorities are monitoring 8,420 people out of 9,507 under observation, excluding about 1,000. In South Korea, besides the Chinese woman who visited Korea, one more case has been confirmed, bringing the total to two. All 25 symptomatic individuals under investigation, including four newly added the previous day, tested negative and were released from isolation.

Wuhan city imposed a sudden lockdown the day before, halting flights, trains, and public transportation within the city, and from noon on the day of reporting, suspended vehicle-hailing services. The World Health Organization (WHO) held an emergency committee on the 23rd (local time) and stated, "It is still too early to declare a public health emergency of international concern," but decided to reconvene the emergency committee within ten days.

Additionally, WHO urged China to transparently disclose information and implement active quarantine measures. The WHO had also convened an emergency committee the day before but postponed the conclusion by one day; such in-depth review of an infectious disease issue is rare.

On the morning of the 23rd, as fear of the Wuhan pneumonia spreads worldwide, a notice related to the novel coronavirus infection is posted in front of the main entrance of a hospital in downtown Seoul.

Health authorities urge strengthened quarantine and community vigilance
"Disclose travel history to China... Handwashing and cough etiquette are important"

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged adherence to infectious disease prevention guidelines in anticipation of increased interregional travel and Chinese visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday. When visiting Wuhan, China, avoid contact with wild animals or poultry and refrain from visiting markets and medical facilities with infection risks. Also, avoid contact with people showing fever or respiratory symptoms.

Arrivals to Korea must diligently complete health questionnaires and report to the KCDC call center (1339) or public health centers if fever or respiratory symptoms develop within two weeks after returning. Medical institutions should check travel history to Wuhan through patient interviews and the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) system when respiratory patients visit. If a novel coronavirus infection is suspected, report to the KCDC call center.

Under normal circumstances, follow infection prevention behaviors such as handwashing and cough etiquette. If visiting medical institutions with respiratory symptoms, wear a mask and inform medical staff of any overseas travel history.