S. Korea confirms daily high 258 cases of influenza A

By Koh Byung-joon
SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Friday that they
have confirmed an additional 258 cases of influenza A, sparking concerns the
contagious disease is spreading rapidly across the nation.

All those who tested positive for the H1N1 virus remain in isolation for
treatment in their homes or in hospitals, according to the Ministry for Health,
Welfare and Family Affairs.
The latest cases represent the largest number of confirmed infections in a single
day since the H1N1 virus was reported here in early May. They bring the total
tally in South Korea to 2,675, with two flu-related deaths. As of Friday morning,
831 people are still being treated, the ministry said.
Fears are growing that South Korea is no longer insulated from the disease,
fueled by the deaths of two South Koreans last weekend from complications
apparently caused by the flu virus, which has claimed almost 1,500 lives around
the world. The two were in their 50s and 60s, respectively.
The recent deaths sparked jitters here that the disease could turn into a
pandemic in the months to come, causing the government to rush to secure more
treatment drugs and vaccines to prepare for a worst case scenario.
The infection rate is feared to accelerate further as students staying overseas
for language training or short-term trips will return home as the summer vacation
period draws to an end. Nearly half of the total infections involve inbound
travelers.
On Thursday, the health ministry said that it will expand its stockpile of
antiviral drugs and increase its budget for more preventive flu vaccines. It
plans to secure enough vaccine to inoculate around 27 percent of the country's
49-million population, aiming to complete vaccinations by the end of February
next year.
The ministry recommended people step up their personal hygiene by washing hands
frequently and report immediately to authorities if they have symptoms similar to
those of the new flu.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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