S. Korea's new flu cases approach 3,000 mark

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's health authorities confirmed Sunday 106
more cases of new flu, or Type A Influenza, bringing the total number of South
Koreans testing positive for the highly-contagious virus to 2,925.
The Sunday toll is the latest clear sign that the Mexico-originated flu,
originally called "swine flu," is spreading beyond control in South Korea. So
far, two South Koreans, a man in his 50s and a 63-year-old woman, have died of
the virus.
The government remains on high alert as the virus could spread faster in the next
couple of weeks as students head back to school after summer vacations.
"It's highly likely that the number of patients could surge as students return to
schools this week," said an official at the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
The official urged people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and
try to avoid close contact with sick people. If anyone has flu-like symptoms, he
or she should visit a hospital for diagnosis, according to the official.
Last week, the ministry said it will allow more of its 49-million population,
particularly pregnant women and the elderly to receive vaccinations for the flu.
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