Gyeonggi-do Activates Emergency Response System for 'Wonsungidu-jang' (Monkeypox)

Designated as Dedicated Hospital... Bundang Seoul National University Hospital Secures 2 Beds
Operation of Quarantine Task Force and Epidemiological Investigation Team... 48 Teams and 288 Members in Cities and Counties

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] As the first case of monkeypox infection has occurred domestically, Gyeonggi Province formed a quarantine task force on the 23rd and began operating an emergency response system, including the designation of dedicated hospitals.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the same day, "Each city and county within the province has organized one epidemiological investigation team led by the head of the public health center, totaling 48 teams and 288 members, to maintain a 24-hour joint response system between the province and the cities/counties."

The quarantine task forces of the province and cities/counties will strengthen community surveillance and response by monitoring suspected patients within the province, isolating confirmed cases, and conducting preventive publicity activities for suspected cases.

The dedicated hospital for monkeypox has been designated as Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, securing two dedicated beds. Additional beds will be secured depending on the trend of patient occurrence.

Furthermore, if the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency raises the crisis alert level to caution or severe, Gyeonggi Province plans to activate the Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, headed by the Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

The province urged those who have visited or traveled to countries where monkeypox has occurred to follow personal hygiene rules such as hand washing and wearing masks, and to consult the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency call center (1339) if symptoms appear within 21 days after returning.

Ryu Young-cheol, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Health and Wellness Bureau, said, "Maintaining a rapid reporting system for suspected patients' treatment and confirmed cases in medical institutions is important for responding to monkeypox," adding, "We plan to strengthen on-site training in cooperation with local medical communities and distribute guidance documents to medical staff."

Monkeypox is an acute febrile rash disease caused by a viral infection, with symptoms similar to smallpox but reportedly less severe.

Upon infection, symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, chills, malaise, and lymphadenopathy begin, followed by rash symptoms 1 to 3 days later.

Symptoms appear after 5 to 21 days (average 6 to 13 days) post-infection and last for 2 to 4 weeks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recent fatality rate is 3 to 6%.