North Korea - Schools remain closed amid respiratory outbreak in Ryanggang province - April 2, 2024

[Mary Wilson]

The move comes amid a spread of coronavirus-like infections.​

2024.04.02
By Kim Jieun for RFA Korean

A resurgence of a respiratory illness believed to be caused by coronavirus has caused some elementary schools and childcare facilities in North Korea to remain closed past April 1, which should have been the starting date of the new school year, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.

RFA reported that in early March, at least five children in the northern province of Ryanggang had died of a respiratory disease that had symptoms similar to COVID-19.

The province shuttered all daycares and schools and returned to an emergency quarantine posture that had been in place nationwide during the worst of the pandemic.
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“The main cause of infection circulating these days is called mycoplasma which is similar to coronavirus and is known to be fatal to children,” he said.

Mycoplasma is a form of bacteria that can cause a type of mild pneumonia that has symptoms like sore throat, cough and fever, and can be treated with antibiotics. Though mycoplasma infections have symptoms that overlap with COVID-19, the latter is caused by a virus, and cannot be treated with antibiotics.

U.N. medicine

Furthermore, the resident said that North Korean medicine is ineffective and the disease must be treated with medicines supplied by the United Nations, which the government sells for profit. ...

https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/illness-04022024183042.html
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[Shiloh]

Mystery illness in North Korea: Children hit hardest, schools close

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/ot...hildren-hit-hardest-schools-close/ar-BB1l0vZS

Mystery illness in North Korea: Children hit hardest, schools close
Story by PJM
• 12h •

A disease of unknown origin is spreading in Ryanggang province, North Korea, particularly affecting children. Among the poorest of these, deaths have been reported. Elementary schools have cancelled classes, sending students on compulsory holidays. Symptoms include fever and bloodshot eyes.

In the Ryanggang province of North Korea, an unknown disease has spread, chiefly among children, as reported by the South Korean outlet Daily NK, citing sources within North Korea. The epidemic surfaced in March, with children reporting symptoms such as fever and bloodshot eyes.

The surge in illness has led to the cancellation of school classes. The situation is especially dire for children in rural areas, who suffer from limited access to medicine and food shortages. Deaths have been reported among children whose immune systems were compromised by malnutrition. Despite the severe circumstances, the government's response has been limited to providing students with temporary holidays, as a Daily NK source informed...​