Gangneung Hospital MSSA Infection Cases Increase to 22

In a hospital in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, the number of patients showing unusual symptoms, such as Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection, has increased to 22 after undergoing procedures to alleviate lower back pain.

Following the occurrence of fatalities and a surge in patients, unexpected 'additional cases' have caused panic among the community.

According to Gangwon Province on the 8th, as of 8 AM that day, there were 4 more MSSA symptom cases compared to the previous day. Among them, 1 has died, with 5 hospitalized in the intensive care unit, 12 in general wards, and 4 discharged. So far, 15 of the cases have been confirmed as MSSA infections, while the remaining cases are still under investigation.

Post-Procedure Fever and Decreased Consciousness

Since the end of last month, multiple patients at this hospital have reported high fever, severe pain, and decreased consciousness following lumbar procedures. As a result of the epidemiological investigation carried out by Gangwon Province and health authorities, MSSA infections have been confirmed in several cases.

The number of patients with unusual symptoms continues to rise, leading to an expansion of monitoring targets to include all 96 patients who underwent procedures since June 16 of this year. Therefore, the possibility of additional infections cannot be ruled out.

Health authorities have collected samples from the medical staff and surgical instruments at the hospital, requesting genetic testing from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Test results are expected to confirm a causal relationship between the procedures and the infections.

A representative from Gangwon Province stated, "We will quickly ascertain the health status of the patients who underwent procedures at the hospital to ensure resident safety and minimize anxiety." Authorities explained that MSSA is a treatable bacteria and is different from legally designated infectious diseases that easily spread via respiratory droplets.

Image source: On the 6th, a notice informing of the hospital's closure is posted at a medical facility in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Unusual symptoms have arisen in multiple patients who underwent lower back pain relief procedures at this hospital. / News1, illustrative photo to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank