"Is Olfactory Dysfunction a Clue to COVID-19 Infection? Discussion Needed on Expanding Clinical Definition (Update)"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The health authorities have stated that they will "discuss with experts whether to expand the clinical definition" regarding the opinions of domestic and international clinical experts that weakened or lost olfactory function, or inability to smell, could be a sign of infection with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the afternoon of the 24th, Kwon Jun-wook, Deputy Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19, said at a regular briefing, "We are well aware that foreign media and domestic and international otolaryngology societies have raised issues related to this symptom."

Previously, experts in related fields, including the British Association of Otorhinolaryngology, argued that patients who lose or have weakened olfactory function without other symptoms are highly likely to be infected with COVID-19 and require self-quarantine. They added that a significant number of patients in countries with large outbreaks such as China, Korea, and Italy exhibited such symptoms.

However, Deputy Head Kwon explained, "Currently, the overall surveillance system for COVID-19 is operated based on fever, cough, and respiratory difficulties," and "the World Health Organization (WHO) and other national health agencies are also operating surveillance systems focusing primarily on fever and major respiratory symptoms."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.