Domestic Risk Exposure Check
Increase in Suspicious Reports and Inquiries
The cumulative number of confirmed Mpox (monkeypox) cases in South Korea has increased to 30.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 24th that 10 additional Mpox cases have been confirmed since the 20th case was reported on the 20th. Among the new patients, 6 reside in Seoul, 3 in Gyeonggi, and 1 in Gyeongbuk; 9 are Korean nationals and 1 is a foreigner.
The routes of recognition included 4 cases reported by medical institutions, 5 cases where patients inquired directly to the KDCA call center (1339), and 1 case of direct visit to a public health center. The main symptoms of the patients were skin lesions accompanied by skin pain, and rashes were confirmed in all patients. They are currently receiving inpatient treatment in isolation wards, and the KDCA reported that their overall condition is relatively good.
All 10 new patients had no overseas travel history within 3 weeks of symptom onset, and domestic exposure risks were confirmed. Authorities are conducting detailed epidemiological investigations regarding infection routes and contacts.
Due to the KDCA's active promotion of symptoms and encouragement of reporting, suspected Mpox reports and inquiries have recently surged. Reports and inquiries increased from 4 cases in the first week of this month to 34 in the second week and 102 in the third week. The number of tests also increased during the same period from 1 to 14 to 43.
Ji Young-mi, head of the KDCA, stated, "Mpox is a disease that can be sufficiently managed with the current quarantine response capabilities, as we have adequate vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic capacity," and urged, "If you have suspected symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution or public health center for examination and testing."
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