S. Korea confirms 4 more flu cases

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Monday that they
have confirmed four additional cases of Influenza A, raising the number of new
flu infections here to 65.

The four -- three Koreans and one American citizen -- have been placed under
close observation at state-designated hospitals after showing flu-like symptoms
such as fever and coughing, the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs
said in a statement.
The three Koreans returned from the United States last week for summer vacation
after staying there for language training or studying. The new flu has claimed
lives of 27 people in the country.
The latest cases come days after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared
that a pandemic is underway by raising its disease alert level to the highest
last week.
Since it was first reported late in April, 74 countries have reported 29,669
confirmed cases of the new flu infection, including 145 deaths mostly in the
United States and Mexico.
Of 65 confirmed cases here, 14 patients still remain under observation for
further treatment with the others being released from hospitals for showing no
further symptoms, the ministry said.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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