S. Korea confirms 76 more flu cases after fatalities

SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health ministry confirmed an additional
76 cases of influenza A on Monday, amid growing concerns about the spread of the
contagious disease after two deaths from the virus were reported over the
weekend.
The new patients, including a high-school athlete and three people participating
in an international event on the southern island of Jeju, tested positive for the
H1N1 virus, the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said in an
emailed statement.
They brought the total number infected with what was previously known as swine
flu to 2,165 in South Korea since it was first reported in early May. Most of
those showed mild symptoms and recovered fully, with 480 still being treated at
home or in hospitals, the ministry said.
The latest cases come after two Koreans on Saturday and Sunday from complications
apparently caused by the flu virus, which has claimed the lives of almost 1,500
people across the world. The two were in their 50s and 60s, respectively.
South Korea has been relatively insulated from the global pandemic but infections
are feared to accelerate as students staying overseas for language training or
short-term trips will return home as the summer vacation period draws to an end.
They could infect other classmates and family members, experts say.
Following the death reports, the Seoul government said it would supply antiviral
drugs, including Tamiflu, which could treat 5.31 million patients, to public
health centers nationwide, as part of efforts to prevent the flu from spreading
further. The drugs will be distributed from Monday to Friday, it said.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)