US says it's ready to help North Korea combat virus

North Korea has yet to report a case of the new virus, but state media reports have hinted that an uncertain number of people have been quarantined after showing symptoms. Experts say an epidemic in North Korea could be dire because of its chronic lack of medical supplies and poor health care infrastructure.

Seoul: The United States has expressed deep concern about North Korea's vulnerability to the outbreak of a new virus and says it's ready to support efforts by US and international aid organizations to contain the spread of the illness in the impoverished nation.

The State Department statement comes as North Korea scrambles to strengthen quarantine and preventive measures following an explosion of infections in China that killed hundreds and sickened tens of thousands.

North Korea has yet to report a case of the new virus, but state media reports have hinted that an uncertain number of people have been quarantined after showing symptoms. Experts say an epidemic in North Korea could be dire because of its chronic lack of medical supplies and poor health care infrastructure.

We strongly support and encourage the work of US and international aid and health organizations to counter and contain the spread of coronavirus in the DPRK, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement, referring to North Korea by its formal name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The United States is ready and prepared to expeditiously facilitate the approval of assistance from these organizations.

North Korea has banned foreign tourists, intensified screening at airports, harbors and border areas, and mobilized some 30,000 health workers to monitor residents in a tough campaign to prevent the spread of the virus, which state media has described as a matter of national existence.

The North also had rival South Korea withdraw dozens of officials from an inter-Korean liaison office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong, insisting on closing it until the epidemic is controlled.

The North this week also announced it will impose a monthlong quarantine for all foreign visitors and others suspected to have the virus.

(With inputs from AP)