N. Korea on high alert to deter influx of new flu

SEOUL, May 6 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Wednesday there are no cases of
influenza A in the country, but it is on high alert to prevent the inflow of the
highly infectious virus found in South Korea.
North Korea's state media have been quick to report the global epidemic since it
was first reported in Mexico late last month. South Korea confirmed its second
case of the new flu on Tuesday, a week after the first infection was confirmed.
"With regard to the A-type influenza -- H1N1, swine flu -- rapidly spreading in
South Korea, (North Korea) is strengthening quarantine projects on high alert,"
the official Korean Central News Agency said.
The report carried an interview with an official of the State Emergency
Quarantine Committee, an organization established in 2008 to cope with bird flu.
"So far, there have been no cases of infection with the A-type influenza in our
country yet," Pak Myong-su, vice chairman of the quarantine committee, was quoted
as saying.
Pak said the country is thoroughly examining foreigners, particularly those who
come from countries with reported cases. "Those who are suspected of infection
even the slightest bit are isolated and put under medical monitoring until their
status is confirmed," he said.
North Korea has upped publicity efforts to enlighten ordinary citizens and set up
a reporting system "from center to bottom," he said.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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