Crucial Week for Possibility of SARS in Korea

It has been observed that there is a high possibility of the appearance of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in Korea this week.

“Among the 19 suspicious cases of SARS so far recorded, seven cases were reported between April 3 to 5 and the contents of the reports have been much closer to the symptoms of SARS as compared to previous reports.

“There is a high possibility of finding our first victim this week,” said Joon Wook-gwon, an epidemic control officer at the National Institute of Health (NIH) on April 7.

NIH sees large numbers of executives and their families from infected regions entering the country as the cause, increasing the possibility for the occurrence of SARS in Korea.

Personnel of the Quarantine Station at Incheon International Airport clarified that “since the 5th, a quarantine officer from NIH has been carrying out careful monitoring of passengers. There is a greater chance of SARS from previous entries than from newer ones into Korea.”

According to the airport quarantine station and NIH, the rate of SARS infected people entering Korea has greatly declined since the number of tourists coming from infected regions, such as China and Taiwan, has diminished. On the other hand, the possibility of SARS among those entering the country during the careless inspection period as well as those who had contact with these people is increasing.

The NIH therefore, is in the process of conducting follow up interviews by telephone with those people who entered the country from infected regions since April 1.

The NIH is also tightening its prevention system by requesting that health care centers and hospitals report any suspicious cases immediately.

The Institute has further requested that government officials restrain from taking business trips to infected regions including Guangdong Province in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as reduce their participation in meetings with persons from infected regions.

Through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the NIH is going to request that consulates in infected regions establish a swift reporting system in order to be prepared for prompt follow up with returning tourists showing symptoms of SARS upon arrival in Korea.

Jin Lee leej@donga.com