Geochang-gun Raises Monkeypox (Mpox) Alert Level to 'Caution' Stage

Strict Compliance with M-Fox Prevention Rules Including Hand Washing

Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam Province, urged compliance with Mpox prevention guidelines to curb the spread early amid the continuous occurrence of domestic Mpox (monkeypox) confirmed cases.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that there have been 10 confirmed Mpox cases since the first case in June 2022. Cases 1 to 5 were either imported from overseas or contracted within medical institutions, while cases 6 to 10 are presumed to be domestic infections.

Geochang-gun Public Health Center, Gyeongnam.

Accordingly, after a risk assessment meeting, the health authorities raised the infectious disease alert level for Mpox from ‘Interest’ to ‘Caution’ on the 13th.

Unlike respiratory diseases, Mpox spreads through close physical contact (skin contact, sexual contact). After an incubation period of 5 to 21 days, symptoms appear. Major symptoms include fever, headache, lymphadenopathy, muscle pain, and vesicular rashes similar to chickenpox on the body or hands, which last for 2 to 4 weeks and mostly resolve naturally.

If suspicious symptoms occur within three weeks after traveling to countries with Mpox outbreaks or if symptoms appear after close contact with a suspected patient, individuals should consult the KDCA call center (1339) or a public health center. Special caution should be taken to avoid close contact (skin or sexual contact) with strangers.

County Governor Goo In-mo stated, “Unlike respiratory infectious diseases where droplets are the main source of infection, Mpox spreads through close contact, so the transmission risk is relatively lower compared to respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.” He added, “Rather than excessive tension or undue concern, please strictly follow personal hygiene rules such as handwashing and report immediately if suspicious symptoms occur.”