South Korea’s health authorities said Monday they were closely monitoring what is called “super bacteria,” whose quick spread here raised an alarm over its potential mass contagion.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier confirmed that a total of 63 patients were infected with OXA-232-type carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae, or CPE, which is known to resist even strong antibiotics.

The health agency said that the bacteria was not so “lethal” compared with other similar strains, and it will come up with countermeasures in response to the developments of the situation.

The KCDC is now making quarantine measures to prevent the further spread of the super bacteria and tightening surveillance.

The detection of the particular type of CPE is the first in South Korea, and experts said that, even though the current situation is far from urgent, the bacteria could pose a health threat if authorities fail to take proper action.

The initial infection is thought to come from a patient injured in India and later relocated to Korean hospitals. Other infected patients are yet to show severe, life-threatening symptoms, suggesting that the bacteria might be at an initial stage yet.

Health authorities are now tracing how the bacteria spread from the local hospital to other patents.

The health agency said it will also continue to keep an eye on the 13 hospitals until the number of patients stays flat for three months.

An official from the KCDC said public attention is required for such strong bacteria that could neutralize antibiotics, but patients infected with similar strains are being treated effectively through newly developed drugs.

By Park Han-na  (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)