South Korea is facing an unusual medical mystery, as numerous reports about unidentified parcels flooding the region persist. This situation came into prominence when three individuals experienced dizziness and difficulty breathing after handling a suspicious package.
Authorities have launched an investigation into these parcels, considering the possibility of terrorist activities.
Around 1,700 individuals were evacuated from Seoul’s Central Post Office in Myeong-dong as a preventive measure. A thorough investigation is underway as similar parcels have been found in multiple cities, further contributing to public anxiety.
Emergent Health Risks from Unknown Parcels
What began as a security concern has quickly escalated into a public health issue. Three employees at a welfare facility for the disabled in Ulsan reported difficulty breathing and dizziness after exposure to a suspicious package from Taiwan. The individuals — a man in his 50s and two women in their 30s and 40s — were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and their condition has been stabilised.
Medical Mystery: Unidentified Substances
Investigations into the Ulsan package revealed an unknown, colourless and odourless powder, suggesting potential toxicity. In response, the facility’s entrance was blocked off and 50 students were relocated as authorities work to identify this enigmatic substance.
There has been no official statement on what the substance actually is.Â
The Origin of Suspicious Packages
The unfolding mystery of the parcels’ origin points towards several Asian countries, predominantly Taiwan. However, parcels from Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Malaysia were also discovered. Most of these unidentified packages bear the mark “CHUNGHWA POST.” A similar parcel, found in Jeju City, was reported to the police due to its uncanny resemblance to the previously found packages.
Unveiling the Real Source
While Taiwan has been spotlighted as the parcel’s origin, recent developments indicate that the Chinese city of Shenzhen might be the actual source. Reports suggest that the parcels travelled by ship from Shenzhen to Taiwan, before being sent by air mail to South Korea. Importantly, these parcels never officially entered Taiwan’s postal system, but a specialised centre handled the sorting.
Health Advisory Issued
In response to these unfolding events, public health officials have urged the public not to open any unsolicited packages from overseas and to report such occurrences immediately. Consequently, this precautionary measure aims to protect public health as authorities strive to resolve this puzzling situation.
Preventive Measures Implemented
To prevent further occurrences, the Korea Post has temporarily halted the import of similar types of parcels from abroad. Similarly, Chunghwa Post has ceased the shipment of such items to South Korea. Authorities are ready to impose substantial fines on anyone found to be responsible for sending these potentially hazardous parcels.
Finally, as this unusual health scare evolves, ongoing investigations aim to unravel the mystery, mitigate potential health risks, and ensure public safety. Medical and security professionals are diligently working to restore calm in the wake of this alarming episode.
Medical Channel Asia will update this article as more information becomes available.
