The United States has expressed deep concern about North Korea's vulnerability to the outbreak of a new virus and says it is ready to support efforts by U.S. 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.