South Korea reported its first COVID-19 death on Thursday as the the total number of the novel coronavirus infections has risen to 104, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC).

The health authorities were working to determine the exact cause of the death, said KCDC.

The country's 31st patient, a 61-year-old woman, was believed to have been a so-called "super spreader."

Since January 3, the country has tested more than 13,000 people for coronavirus. 16 patients having been discharged from quarantine after making full recoveries.

(With input from agencies)