By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Doctors here appear to be split over the potential for the Influenza A pandemic to become a more deadly problem in Korea.
While many doctors say people should not panic over the disease, others are warning of possible fatal variants.
The development comes after the deaths of two people from the virus in Korea within the last week.
Dr. Park Seung-chul of Samsung Medical Center and an advisor to the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs said the deaths were inevitable.
"There are more than 2,000 people infected with the virus, and the deaths were predictable based on cases in other countries. But it doesn't mean we will see some more deaths," he explained.
The two people who died from influenza A were aged 63 and 50. The risk groups for the virus differ from other strains, and appear to include, people under the age of 65 with pre-existing conditions, young children and pregnant women.
However, there are others who say the virus could be even more powerful during dry and cold weather, and on elderly or unhealthy people.
Professor Kim Woo-joo of Korea University Medical Center warned of the possibility of mass infection. "Especially if a powerful variant turns up, people will become vulnerable," he said.
Teachers and parents are worried that once school starts in September, a mass infection may occur because many students returning from overseas study could increase the possibility of transmission.
Educators advised these students to refrain from going outdoors within a week after their arrival. "They will be excused for their absence from school," an Education Ministry official said.
The government plans to shut down individual schools for a certain period if an infection is confirmed among staff or students. Recently, eight classmates at a high school in Daegu were confirmed to have contracted the virus simultaneously.
The health authorities are urging people to wash their hands often, avoid going to crowded place, wear masks and always cover their mouth when coughing.
According to the World Health Organization, 177,457 are infected with the virus and 1,462 had died as of Aug. 12.
Some 2,165 have been infected with the virus in Korea, with about 480 isolated at home or state-designated hospitals.