South Korea’s 4th monkeypox patient in stable condition: KDCA

South Korea’s fourth monkeypox patient is a health care worker who came into close contact with the country’s third monkeypox patient on Nov. 15, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

The KDCA said the health care worker was exposed while taking samples from the third monkeypox patient a week ago, and has been put under “active monitoring” since. The health care worker’s test results came back positive on Tuesday.

The health care worker showed “mild symptoms” such as a headache, but overall is in stable condition, the KDCA added.

The health care worker, who wasn’t previously vaccinated, was given the Jynneos vaccine following the exposure. The vaccine helps protect against monkeypox, as well as smallpox.

So far, 98 health care workers in the country have been vaccinated with the Jynneos shots, which are distributed on a voluntary basis.

South Korea’s last three monkeypox cases were found in recent travelers who tested positive shortly upon arrival. The country’s first case was identified in June.

Travelers are advised to inform the KDCA or district public health authorities in the event of symptoms such as fever, body aches, chills, swollen lymph nodes, raised spots, rash or scabs.

By Kim Arin (arin@heraldcorp.com)