Number of Patients with Abnormal Symptoms After Back Pain Procedures Rises to 18
Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA) Identified as Source of Infection
The number of patients showing abnormal symptoms after receiving pain relief procedures for back pain at a medical institution in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, continues to rise. As of now, the number of suspected infection cases has reached 18, and one of these patients has died.
The number of patients reporting abnormal symptoms after waist procedures in Gangneung has increased to 18, and the medical institution in question has announced a temporary closure. Yonhap News
According to Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Gangneung city health authorities on August 7, the number of suspected infection cases among patients who underwent procedures such as nerve blocks for pain relief at this medical institution increased from 8 on August 4, to 12 on August 5, and then to 18 on August 6.
The patients reported severe pain, headaches, fever, and decreased consciousness after the procedures. Currently, 4 patients are in intensive care units, and 11 are being treated in general wards. Two patients have been discharged, but one man in his 60s has died.
Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is being identified as the source of infection. So far, 11 patients have been confirmed to be infected with this bacterium, while the remaining 7 are still under investigation.
By gender, there are 11 women and 7 men. By age group, there are 2 patients each in their 40s and 50s, 7 in their 60s, 6 in their 70s, and 1 in their 80s, with the majority of patients being in their 60s or older. Health authorities have completed monitoring of 434 out of a total of 444 patients who received the same procedure since July, and are in the process of confirming the remaining 10. Separately, they are also monitoring 96 patients who underwent the same procedure between June 16 and June 30, so the number of infected patients may increase further in the future.
An official from the Gangwon Province health authorities stated, "We will conduct a thorough investigation of all patients who received procedures since June and monitor for two months to ensure there is no anxiety in the local community." The official also urged, "If you experience any suspicious symptoms, please consult the emergency room at Gangneung Asan Hospital immediately."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
