Seoul Han River pools test negative for hand-foot-and-mouth virus

The Seoul Institute of Health and Environment announced that water quality tests conducted at six Han River outdoor swimming pools and water play areas showed no presence of viruses associated with hand-foot-and-mouth disease or conjunctivitis.

Testing was carried out between August 3 and August 21, involving 18 separate samples collected weekly from facilities including the Ttukseom and Yeouido outdoor pools, as well as the Jamsil, Nanji, Yanghwa, and Gwangnaru water play areas. The investigation specifically targeted enterovirus, which causes hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and adenovirus, which can lead to epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

The proactive testing was initiated due to a significant rise in hand-foot-and-mouth disease cases nationwide. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, suspected cases increased approximately 33-fold between the 19th and 30th weeks of the year, with the highest concentration among children aged 0 to 6.

Health officials advised that while the water is currently clear of these viruses, visitors should maintain personal hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly and avoiding the sharing of personal items like towels or goggles. Individuals experiencing symptoms like fever, rashes, or eye redness are urged to refrain from using public facilities and seek medical attention.