S. Korea Confirms 40 More Flu Cases

South Korea has confirmed 40 more influenza A cases, bringing the number of flu infections to 535.

The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said the patients included 24 Indonesians and all of them tested positive for the HIN1 virus after showing flu-like symptoms upon their arrival in South Korea.

The Indonesians came to South Korea last week to participate in a world choir competition held in South Gyeongsang Province. The remaining schedule for the event has been called off.

South Korea has been relatively safe from the global pandemic, which has claimed hundreds of lives since the disease was first identified in April. There have been no deaths in South Korea.

Most recently, however, the disease showed signs of spreading more quickly as the number of reported infections has risen fast.

The Ministry of Strategy and Finance said it has set aside 174.8 billion won ($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.