M-Fox Reports 10th Confirmed Case... No History of Overseas Travel

by Lee Gwanju

Published 14 Apr.2023 10:38(KST)

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 14th that the 10th confirmed case of Mpox (monkeypox) has occurred in the country.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The 10th patient, residing in Daegu, is a Korean national who inquired about getting tested for Mpox through the Disease Control and Prevention Agency call center (1339) on the 12th. Although there is no history of overseas travel, the patient had risk exposure during the incubation period and showed suspicious symptoms, thus being classified as a suspected case. The genetic test results confirmed a positive diagnosis.

The patient is currently hospitalized in an isolation ward and is reported to be in generally good condition. The health authorities are conducting investigations to identify the source of infection and trace contacts to prevent further transmission.

Since the first domestic case presumed to be infected locally was reported on the 7th of this month, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explained that even when epidemiological links are low, such as no overseas travel history, active reporting is encouraged if suspicious symptoms are present. Additionally, guidance has been provided to medical staff in affected areas, leading to an increase in related reports and inquiries.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, expressed gratitude for the active reporting and inquiries, emphasizing that public cooperation is crucial for early detection and rapid diagnosis of Mpox cases. She also urged efforts to prevent stigmatization of infectious disease patients and to protect personal information.