Prime Minister Han Orders "Thorough Epidemiological Investigation and Response System Review" Following Monkeypox Case Detection

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo issued an urgent directive on the 22nd, urging relevant ministries to conduct thorough epidemiological investigations and review response systems following the occurrence of a monkeypox infection case in South Korea.

Prime Minister Han instructed, "The Vice Minister of Health and Welfare and the Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency must ensure thorough isolation and treatment of the patient, and promptly and meticulously carry out epidemiological investigations, including tracing the patient's movements, contact routes, and contacts, to prevent further spread."

He also ordered, "Strictly implement the established manual (response system for confirmed monkeypox cases), and relevant ministries and local governments should review their response systems to enable immediate action upon suspected cases."

Furthermore, he emphasized, "Quickly and transparently disclose related information such as the progress of quarantine measures to the public to alleviate any anxiety."

The Prime Minister's Office explained regarding Han's directive, "In this case, the infected patient reported suspicion after arriving at Incheon Airport, and quarantine authorities isolated the patient at the airport and transferred them to Incheon Medical Center, a nationally designated hospital bed for inpatient treatment, where testing and treatment are underway. It is judged that movement and contact within the community have been minimized," adding, "This is an emergency directive in preparation for any possible additional transmission."

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated at a briefing that "a Korean national, Mr. A, who returned through Incheon Airport on the 21st and showed suspicious symptoms, was confirmed as a monkeypox case after undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and genetic sequencing analysis."

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han is currently in Paris, France, to attend the announcement of the bid for the 2030 World Expo and the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE).

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