"Low Possibility" but... Asymptomatic Patients, the Mystery of 2nd and 3rd Generation Infections

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] As the second and third cases of infection of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) increase domestically, the issue of whether 'asymptomatic infection'?transmission from patients without noticeable symptoms?is possible has emerged as a key point. This is because, as seen in the cases of the 25th to 27th family patients who were confirmed positive on the 8th and 9th respectively, symptoms may not clearly manifest during the infection process. Experts state that "while patients may not be aware, the possibility of infection during an asymptomatic state is very low." However, they also point out that differences in awareness depending on age and health condition must be considered. They emphasize that, separate from the medical definition of 'asymptomatic,' subjective asymptomatic cases should be taken into account to strengthen quarantine measures.

◆Uncertain infection route of son and daughter-in-law= As of the 10th, among the 27 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Korea, there have been nine cases of second and third infections through contact with previously confirmed patients without visiting China or the three countries. The previous eight cases involved close contact such as dining with confirmed patients, after which symptoms appeared later than the initial confirmed patients. The 25th to 27th patients deviated from this pattern. They only learned belatedly that they were infected with the novel coronavirus after the mother of the 26th patient was confirmed positive on the 8th. The 25th patient had symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat around the 6th and underwent virus testing at a clinic two days later, which returned positive. The next day, urgent diagnostic tests were conducted on the son and daughter-in-law, both of whom were confirmed positive. The couple had stayed in Guangdong Province, China, from November last year to January 31 this year. After returning on the 4th, the daughter-in-law had a mild persistent cough but did not consider the symptoms severe enough to get tested. The son reportedly did not feel any particular symptoms. Jeong Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated, "Since the daughter-in-law's cough symptoms appeared on the 4th, it is presumed that she was the first to develop symptoms," and viewed the possibility of asymptomatic infection as low. However, the possibility that the mother was infected by the son, who had no clear symptoms, cannot be ruled out.

◆Experts say "It is difficult to conclude on asymptomatic infection"= Clinical experts say it is still difficult to draw conclusions about asymptomatic infection of the novel coronavirus. However, they caution about 'mild infections' that occur when patients continue daily activities without recognizing respiratory symptoms or fever, or when symptoms are not severe. Baek Kyung-ran, Chairperson of the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases and Professor of Infectious Diseases at Samsung Medical Center, said, "Most patients shed and transmit the virus without realizing 'I am sick,' but this should not be confused with asymptomatic infection." Director Jeong also added, "Healthy adults may overlook symptoms thinking 'this is okay,' and upon later investigation, many have mild symptoms." In fact, the previously confirmed patients who caused second and third infections domestically were relatively young: two in their 30s, three in their 40s, and two in their 50s. The quarantine authorities stated, "We are conducting recommendations and publicity to encourage people to monitor their symptoms and visit screening clinics if symptoms appear." Meanwhile, according to the Central Disease Control Headquarters, as of 9 a.m. that day, no additional novel coronavirus patients were confirmed domestically. The cumulative number of confirmed cases is 27, including three who have already been discharged. There are a total of 2,749 suspected patients showing fever or respiratory symptoms, among whom 1,940 have tested negative.

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