"Monkeypox, Infection Diagnosis Possible with PCR Test"
KCDC Monitoring Global Outbreak... "May Be Designated as a Managed Overseas Infectious Disease"
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] Amid the spread of monkeypox in Europe, the United States, and other regions, on the 22nd, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that it has completed the establishment of a testing system in preparation for domestic cases.
Monkeypox is a viral disease characterized by vesicular rashes similar to chickenpox spreading on the hands and other areas, accompanied by fever, chills, headache, and lymphadenopathy.
Symptoms last for about 2 to 4 weeks and are known to mostly resolve naturally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the fatality rate of monkeypox is 3 to 6%.
The KDCA completed the development and evaluation of diagnostic tests and reagents for monkeypox in 2016.
Similar to COVID-19, infection can be diagnosed through real-time genetic testing (PCR).
The KDCA stated, "Even if monkeypox is introduced domestically, since the diagnostic testing system is established, patients can be promptly managed," and added, "It is expected that the outbreak can be effectively contained."
Currently, the KDCA is monitoring the overseas occurrence of monkeypox and is considering designating this disease as a 'managed overseas infectious disease' depending on future changes in the situation.
A managed overseas infectious disease refers to an infectious disease caused by mutations or variants of existing infectious diseases or by new pathogens previously unknown, which pose international health concerns and require preparation for domestic introduction.
Designation is made through consultation between the Director of the KDCA and the Minister of Health and Welfare. If monkeypox is designated at this stage, it will be classified as a 'Class 1 infectious disease' requiring high-level isolation such as negative pressure isolation along with immediate reporting upon outbreak. Currently, smallpox is classified as a Class 1 infectious disease under the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act.
Monkeypox has mainly occurred in African regions but has recently been rapidly spreading in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States.
As of the 21st, a total of 79 confirmed cases have been reported in 13 countries outside of Africa, with 64 individuals showing suspected symptoms.
Currently, the prevailing analysis is that the virus was not introduced from endemic regions. Relevant health authorities are investigating the exact infection routes.
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