Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) launched an epidemiological investigation into a dermatology clinic in Gangnam where 13 people were infected with sepsis.

“We have confirmed the case on the evening of May 7 and started an epidemiological investigation into the clinic on the following morning. We will work closely with investigative authorities and related organizations to identify the cause of the related matter,” the agency said.

Thirteen patients were infected with sepsis at a dermatology clinic in southern Seoul and were moved to a nearby hospital Monday night.

Thirteen out of 20 patients at the dermatology clinic began to show signs of sepsis starting Monday night, according to the health authorities, upon which they were moved to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening complication from an infection that is characterized by a body temperature above 38.3 degrees or below 36 degrees Celsius, heart rate faster than 90 beats per minute or breathing rate faster than 20 breaths per minute.

The condition can be fatal, especially for elderly or those with weakened immune systems, if it progresses to septic shock wherein blood pressure drops dramatically.

The KCDC noted that although symptoms were severe for some patients, there were no deaths. The agency also pointed out that the number of patients could increase since there were 20 patients at the clinic.

"The investigation is going on. If necessary, we will cooperate with the relevant authorities and plan to disclose their findings in a timely, accurate and transparent manner,” the KCDC said.

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