US soldier in South Korea first serviceman to test positive for coronavirus

By: Kenneth G.

An American soldier based in South Korea has tested positive for coronavirus — the first US service member to be infected by the rapidly spreading deadly virus, officials announced Tuesday.

The soldier, a 23-year-old man, is stationed at Camp Carroll, an army base located in the southeastern part of the country, according to a statement from the United States Forces Korea.

The patient is quarantined at his off-base home, officials said. On Monday, he visited another nearby US military base, Camp Walker.

“Health officials are actively conducting contact tracing to determine whether any others may have been exposed,” USFK said.

Coronavirus cases in South Korea have skyrocketed since the first case was reported in the nation one week ago.

As of Tuesday, over 1,000 cases and 12 deaths have been reported in the short span.