(2nd LD) S. Korea confirms 66 more flu cases

(ATTN: UPDATES with figures in lead, para 2)
SEOUL, July 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities said Tuesday they
have confirmed an additional 66 cases of influenza A, bringing the nation's total
number of flu infections to 561.
The new patients, including 23 Indonesians, tested positive for the H1N1 virus
after showing flu-like symptoms upon their recent arrival here, the Ministry for
Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said in an e-mailed statement.
The Indonesians came to South Korea last week to participate in a world choir
competition held in the country's southeast. Six South Korean nationals were
infected via contact with the foreign choir members. The remaining schedule for
the event has been called off, organizers said.
South Korea has been relatively insulated from the global pandemic, which has
claimed hundreds of lives since the disease was first identified in April. No
deaths have been reported here.
There is growing concern that the disease could begin to spread more quickly, as
the number of reported infections is rising fast. Three quarantine workers were
recently confirmed to be infected with the disease, pointing to a need for
vaccine development.
The finance ministry said it has set aside 174.8 billion won (US$134.4 million)
to secure enough vaccine to inoculate around 13 million people against the new
flu. The vaccination will be available beginning in November, ahead of the winter
flu season, it added.
Of the total flu cases, 410 were inbound travelers. As of Tuesday morning, 173
people remained in isolation for treatment with the remainder having been sent
home after showing no further symptoms, according to the ministry.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)