SEOUL: South Korea has reported its first locally transmitted case of monkeypox, bringing the total number of cases to six, according to local media reports.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the person with a skin rash was a suspected case of monkeypox on Thursday and tested positive for the skin disease the previous day.
The infected person has no history of overseas travel in the last three months, the KDCA said.
This is the first locally transmitted case of monkeypox in South Korea, with all previous cases linked to overseas travel. South Korea confirmed its first case of monkeypox last year in June and the fifth one on March 13.
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is predominantly transmitted through sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, as well as sharing bedding, towels, and clothing, according to health officials.
Symptoms of the monkeypox virus include a rash, malaise, swollen lymph nodes, and fever, in addition to chills, muscle pain, and headaches.
Monkeypox cases worldwide
The US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 86,746 cases of the viral disease since January 2022 across the world, with 30,286 infections detected only in America. During the same duration, 112 people died, including 38 in the US.
As South Korea reports its first locally transmitted case of monkeypox, health officials are urging people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
The KDCA is calling on people to avoid skin-to-skin contact and sharing of personal items and to practice good hygiene habits, such as regular hand washing.
The KDCA also said that they are conducting an epidemiological investigation to identify and isolate close contacts of the infected person to prevent further transmission of the disease.
They are also monitoring the situation closely and will take necessary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The emergence of a locally transmitted case of monkeypox in South Korea highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of infectious diseases.
The public is advised to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of the disease or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for monkeypox.
