S. Korea confirms 7 additional flu cases

SEOUL, June 30 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Tuesday that
they have confirmed seven additional new flu cases including one American
citizen, bringing the number of influenza A infections here to 210.
The new patients -- mostly returning from overseas trips or study -- tested
positive for the H1N1 virus after showing flu-like symptoms, according to the
Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs. They have been placed under
close observation at state-designated hospitals for treatment, it added.
Despite the fast spread of the contagious disease across the world, South Korea
has so far remained relatively insulated from the virus.
But concerns are still lingering that its spread could pick up speed as a growing
number of students staying in such hard-hit countries as the United States are
likely to return home for summer vacation.
As of Tuesday morning, 56 people are being treated for the new flu, with others
suffering from the disease having been discharged from hospitals after showing no
further symptoms such as coughing, fever and throat pain. No death has been
reported here.
According to the latest tally by the WHO, more than 70,000 confirmed cases of new
flu infections have been reported worldwide since it was first identified in
April. The disease has claimed a total of 311 deaths mostly reported in the United
States, Mexico and Canada.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
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