On Sunday, state media reported that North Korea had sent medical personnel and epidemiological investigation experts to the province, which is battling an outbreak of an intestinal disease.
To date, at least 800 families suffering from what Korea only describes as an “acute intestinal epidemic” have received assistance in South Hwanghae Province.
Enteric refers to the digestive system, and South Korean officials say it could be cholera or typhoid.
The new outbreak, first announced on Thursday, is putting more pressure on the isolated country as it faces acute food shortages and a wave of COVID-19 cases.
The Korea Central News Agency detailed the efforts made in the field of prevention, including quarantine, “extensive screening of the entire population,” special treatment and follow-up for people at greatest risk, such as children and the elderly.
The agency said a national “rapid diagnosis and treatment team” is working with local health authorities and steps are being taken to ensure agriculture is not disrupted in key agricultural areas.
The report says that work is underway to disinfect, including sewage and other waste, to ensure the safety of drinking water.
