WHO confirms 1,702 new cases of H5N8 in South Korea
The World Health Organization has officially confirmed that the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain A(H5)H8 (HPAI-H5N8), first detected on March 13, now accounts for a total of over 20 million cases in South Korea since its emergence last year as reported by Newsis. According to data from Yna.co.kr and Khan.co.kr released earlier that day, the daily infection rate has surged dramatically compared to previous weeks; specifically between February 4th through March 13th alone there were recorded at least one thousand seven hundred two new cases according to Segye's reporting on H5N8.
Key Points
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1South Korea's total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 7 million, reaching approximately 6.85 to nearly 7 million as reported across multiple news outlets.
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2The country recorded over a new daily case count exceeding the previous record set in March with more than one thousand seven hundred additional infections on Wednesday alone.
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3Health officials are urging citizens and businesses nationwide to take strict precautions against further spread of infection given that cases have now exceeded three times Japan's total number at this time.
Developments
Perspectives
The government has announced a plan to increase the number of public hospitals from 180, which is currently insufficient for demand.
— (Newsis)'There are only about one thousand seven hundred doctors in total,' said Kim Seok-ho. 'This situation cannot be improved without significant changes.'
— (Korean Broadcasting System News.sbs.co.kr)