S. Korea confirms 40 more flu cases

SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Tuesday that
they have confirmed an additional 40 cases of influenza A, bringing the nation's
total number of flu infections to 535.
The patients, including 24 Indonesians, tested positive for the H1N1 virus after
showing flu-like symptoms upon their recent arrival here, the Ministry for
Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said in an e-mailed statement.
The Indonesians came to South Korea last week to participate in a world choir
competition held in the country's southeast. Five South Korean nationals were
infected via contact with the foreign choir members. The remaining schedule for
the event has been called off, organizers said.
South Korea has been relatively insulated from the global pandemic, which has
claimed hundreds of lives since the disease was first identified in April. No
deaths have been reported here.
Concerns still linger that the spread of the disease could be picking up pace as
the number of reported infections is rising fast.
The government earlier said that it plans to spend nearly 200 billion won (US$157
million) to secure enough vaccine to treat 13 million people for the new flu.
Of the total flu cases, 410 are inbound travelers. As of Tuesday morning, 173
people remained in isolation for treatment with the remainder having been sent
home after showing no further symptoms, according to the ministry.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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