S. Korea confirms first case of monkeypox infection

TOKYO, June 22 (KUNA) -- South Korea confirmed Wednesday its first case of monkeypox infection, prompting concerns over the possibility of the spread of the virus, Yonhap News Agency reported.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the patient, who arrived at Incheon International Airport from Germany Tuesday, has tested positive for the virus. The person has been in isolation treatment at Incheon Medical Center, west of Seoul, since arriving in South Korea.
The health agency raised the monkeypox risk level from "attention" to "caution" and decided to bolster measures against the spread of the virus.
The virus, traditionally confined to regions in Central and Western Africa, can cause symptoms that include fever, chills, rash and lesions.
Monkeypox patients will be treated in isolation in specialized hospitals and a 21-day mandatory self-isolation period is being considered for those who have a high risk of transmission after being in close contact with monkeypox patients, health authorities said. (end) mk.aai