[A summarized unofficial version of the press release]

KDCA successfully controlled the MPOX outbreak in Korea, with no deaths and no severe cases thanks to rigorous risk management, and treatment of MPOX is available in local hospitals and clinics

- The cumulative number of MPOX patients in Korea is 155, with no severe cases, and the cases are steadily decreasing.

- The classification of MPOX has been downgraded from Class 2 to Class 3 infectious disease, enhancing convenience by making patients treated for MPOX in local hospitals and clinics in Korea from 2024.

Osong, 8^th January 2024 ━ The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that the MPOX situation is now under control, attributing this outcome to proactive response measures since the initial outbreak in Korea in June of last year, and the ongoing trend shows a consistent decline.

Cumulative MPOX cases stand at 155 and have maintained a decreasing pattern from peaks of 42 in April and 48 in May of last year. Notably, there were no reported MPOX cases in December of the same year.

* A decline in cases from 42 in April, 48 in May, 22 in June, 12 in July, 9 in August, 10 in September, 2 in November, and zero in December.

While last year saw MPOX outbreaks and related deaths in Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and other Asian countries, Korea successfully curtailed the spread and averted deaths, with no recent reports, through stringent control and response measures, including active promotional and prevention activities as well as patient care.

The KDCA conducted special control inspections in approximately 24,000 facilities, including those already visited or expected to be visited by high-risk groups, and actively provided MPOX prevention guidelines*. To ease public concerns, accurate and timely communication with the public** was also facilitated.

* Produced and distributed tailored prevention guidelines, including major symptoms, clinical progression, and infection routes (through leaflets, etc.), a total of 14 times.

** Issued 40 press releases and disseminated information on the KDCA's official website regarding MPOX precautions and the characteristics of confirmed cases.

Furthermore, the KDCA developed and offered clinical practice guidelines and educational materials that incorporate the characteristics of MPOX infection and advice from medical experts.

Thanks to these endeavors, Korea’s MPOX alert level was lowered from “Caution” to “Attention” on September 6 in 2023. Starting January 1, 2024, the classification of MPOX has been downgraded from Class 2 to Class 3 infectious disease, allowing MPOX patients to be treated in local hospitals and clinics.

* Most mild cases are tested and treated on an outpatient basis without mandatory isolation, and support is continuously provided for the inpatient care of severe cases.

Commissioner Jee said, "I express sincere gratitude for the collaboration and dedicated efforts of local governments and medical personnel in their response to MPOX. Given sporadic but continued outbreaks of MPOX, active public participation in prevention efforts is essential. It is crucial to adhere to control and prevention guidelines, which include avoiding contaminated areas, seeking prompt treatment, and receiving recommended vaccinations for those at high risk.”

* For detailed information, please refer to the press release written in the Korean language in the file attached below.