Mystery illness in North Korea: Children hit hardest, schools close

A disease of unknown origin is spreading in Ryanggang province, North Korea, particularly affecting children. Among the poorest of these, deaths have been reported. Elementary schools have cancelled classes, sending students on compulsory holidays. Symptoms include fever and bloodshot eyes.

In the Ryanggang province of North Korea, an unknown disease has spread, chiefly among children, as reported by the South Korean outlet Daily NK, citing sources within North Korea. The epidemic surfaced in March, with children reporting symptoms such as fever and bloodshot eyes.

The surge in illness has led to the cancellation of school classes. The situation is especially dire for children in rural areas, who suffer from limited access to medicine and food shortages. Deaths have been reported among children whose immune systems were compromised by malnutrition. Despite the severe circumstances, the government's response has been limited to providing students with temporary holidays, as a Daily NK source informed.

Schools have recruited parents of children on holiday due to the disease outbreak to help refurbish the buildings. - Annually, at the end of March, schools undergo painting and add magnesium powder to surfaces, a task traditionally shared between students and parents in elementary schools. This year, however, with students off school due to the illness, parents are shouldering all the refurbishment work, the source explained.

Only elementary schools have seen classes cancelled, with secondary school students attending as usual.