Doctors urge gov`t to close schools to curb flu

Korean doctors urged the government Wednesday to temporarily close all schools to stem the rapid spread of the Influenza A virus in the country, Yonhap News reported.



In a statement released in downtown Seoul, the Korean Medical Association claimed there is a pressing need to shut down schools from next month at the latest.



"Such measures are needed due to the rapid spread of the disease within the general populace and among young school children, and because of the time it will take to complete the ongoing vaccination process," the association said.

It added that the government should keep schools closed for at least two or three weeks.

Recently, about 4,000 people in the country have been diagnosed with the flu virus every day. The first cases were reported in North America earlier in the year, and since the first death was reported locally in mid-August, 29 South Koreans have died from the infection, with five being relatively young and healthy.



In response, the education ministry said it in considering a move to close schools where Influenza A is spreading quickly to protect children from infection. There are currently 205 schools that have opted to cease classes due to the flu scare.



The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said it will set up specialized intensive care units (ICUs) in large hospitals across the country that will take care of people with severe cases of the Influenza A. The new ICUs will be established in 472 large hospitals in the country.