GANGNEUNG — An investigation is underway at a medical facility in Gangneung, South Korea, following a reported cluster of infections linked to a common back pain procedure. The number of patients exhibiting serious complications has escalated to 22, with public health officials confirming that Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) is the primary cause for the majority of the cases.

The Gangwon provincial government stated that an initial count of eight patients with symptoms such as fever and altered consciousness has now increased, reflecting a broader public health concern. Of the 22 affected individuals, 15 have been positively identified with MSSA, while the remaining seven are pending laboratory results. The outbreak has resulted in one fatality: a male in his 60s, who succumbed to his condition on July 27 after receiving intensive care.

The current patient status indicates the severity of the outbreak: five patients are in critical condition in intensive care units, twelve are receiving care in general wards, and four have been discharged. Health authorities have initiated a comprehensive tracing effort to locate and screen 663 individuals who underwent the same procedure at the facility since June. The investigation has successfully contacted 541 of these patients, with efforts ongoing to reach the remaining 122.

The health department suspects that the source of the infection is directly related to the procedural environment or a lapse in hospital hygiene protocols. The facility has voluntarily ceased operations as of August 1 under the recommendation of health officials to facilitate a thorough investigation. The provincial government has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to contain the situation and prevent further community spread.

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