Domestic Mpox Cases Increase by 16 in a Week to Total 60... 58 Are Male

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 8th that 16 new domestic cases of Mpox (monkeypox) have been confirmed within a week, bringing the total to 60 cases.

Among these, 11 cases were self-reported after the onset of suspicious symptoms, and 5 cases were reported by medical institutions. All cases are presumed to be domestic infections as there was no overseas travel history within three weeks of symptom onset. The KDCA added that the infections are believed to have occurred through sexual contact.

The residences of these patients are mostly in Seoul with 11 cases, followed by 2 in Gyeonggi, and 1 each in Incheon, Busan, and Gwangju. Their main symptoms include localized skin lesions (ulcers, induration, rash) accompanied by anal and genital pain, along with fever, chills, muscle pain, and lymphadenopathy.

Out of the total 60 confirmed cases, 54 are presumed to be domestic infections. Fifty-eight are male, with 42 in their 30s and 10 in their 20s. Fifty-eight had sexual contact within three weeks prior to the initial symptom onset, and among them, 51 engaged in sexual contact with strangers through anonymous mobile apps. Most cases are mild and in good condition. So far, 32 confirmed patients have been treated with Mpox therapeutics, and 32 are currently hospitalized while the remaining 28 have been released from isolation. A KDCA official stated, "There have been no reports of sequelae or additional confirmed cases among contacts."

Meanwhile, as domestic Mpox cases increase, the KDCA expanded vaccination for high-risk groups starting today. A single intradermal dose of the third-generation vaccine (Jynneos) will be administered.

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