S. Korean soldiers infected with type-A influenza: official

By Sam Kim
SEOUL, July 7 (Yonhap) -- Three South Koreans who tested positive for the new
H1N1 flu this week were soldiers who had been stationed at an international
airport to support quarantine activities, a military official said Tuesday.
The three -- two corporals and a sergeant -- appear to have contracted the type-A
flu via airborne transmission, said Kang Seong-heup, director of health at the
Ministry of National Defense.
Kang said the ministry had authorized some 150 soldiers, including six medical
officers, to be stationed at six of the country's gateways, including Incheon
International Airport, since May 11.
The soldiers infected at the airport, located west of Seoul, helped collect
quarantine-related documents from travelers and transport potential patients to
hospitals, Kang said.
"One of them did not show symptoms even though he tested positive. That's why he
was found to be infected a day later than the others," Kang said.
The three, one of whom tested positive on Monday, have been sent to a military
hospital for treatment, he said.
The incident marked the first time that South Korean quarantine officials have
been infected with the new H1N1 flu, which has affected over 280 in South Korea.
The flu has claimed the lives of more than 300 around the world since its
outbreak was first reported in April. No deaths have been reported in South
Korea.
samkim@yna.co.kr
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