While South Korea defeated the Covid-19 epidemic several weeks ago now, new cases are puzzling scientists. There are 116 possible cases of reinfection. Are these false negatives? Lack of immunity? Reactivation?
Recently, South Korea was ranked the 3rd safest country in the world regarding the Covid-19 epidemic. This flattering position is undoubtedly the result of the rapid and effective reaction of the authorities and citizens to the crisis. Indeed, this country has not confined its population but has intensified screening and ensured an efficient supply of masks protection. In addition, the authorities have launched a major disinfection campaign in areas affected by Covid-19.
Today, South Korea's toll is "only" 10,635 cases with 232 deaths. And yet, the Reuters agency reported 116 new cases in this country on April 13, 2020. However, these are cases of reinfection, that is to say people cured for the first time but tested positive again.
The fact is that South Korean experts are divided on the cause of these patients. For Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), it could be a case of "reactivation" rather than "reinfection". However, suspicions about the lack of antibodies in recovered people cast doubt on reinfection. Other experts believe it could be faulty testing. Some believe that remnants of Covid-19 are still in the body of some people but pose no danger to others, or even to the host himself.
Anyway, these new cases are unsettling South Korea. You should know that the authorities have advised the population to continue to respect social distancing measures , especially regarding gatherings. The government said it wanted to discuss easing these measures after April 19. However, many people flouted the rules long before then, especially due to the pleasant weather and the drop in cases seen in recent weeks.
Thus, South Korea is not immune to a possible second wave as it prepares to send 600,000 test kits in the United States , the most affected country in the world.
