By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
North Korea confirmed nine cases of influenza A (H1N1) in Pyongyang and Shinuiju through its official news agency Wednesday.
This is the first confirmation of H1N1 cases from the secretive state.
``New influenza A/H1N1 broke out in some areas, amid the growing number of victims worldwide,'' the North's Korean Central News Agency reported.
It continued, ``The relevant organ is further perfecting the quarantine system against the spread of this flu virus while properly carrying on the prevention and medical treatment.''
A day earlier, President Lee Myung-bak expressed his willingness to help the reclusive state without conditions if an epidemic breaks out there.
The government plans to send North Korea a message regarding the provision of flu vaccines, officials said.
Details have yet to be determined, said Chun Hae-sung, a spokesman of the Ministry of Unification.