[Click! Health] If Planning Overseas Travel During Chuseok... Infectious Diseases to Watch Out For

Many people are planning overseas trips during the Chuseok holiday period (September 28 to October 3). Recently, cases of bacterial dysentery, cholera, and measles have been reported abroad, so caution is needed to avoid infection.

An airport bustling with travelers

Bacterial dysentery and cholera are mainly transmitted through contaminated water and food. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, cramping abdominal pain, diarrhea (with blood, mucus, or watery stools), and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Cholera can cause severe symptoms in 5-10% of infected individuals, leading to dehydration, hypovolemic shock, and in severe cases, death, so extreme caution is necessary. To prevent infection, avoid drinking water and eating food with unclear hygiene conditions overseas, and consume thoroughly cooked food.

More than 170,000 measles cases have occurred worldwide this year. Recently, a large number of cases have been confirmed in regions such as India, the Middle East, and Africa. In South Korea, after no cases were reported for two years following imported cases in 2020, four nationals were infected overseas this year and confirmed positive after entering the country. Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease transmitted through the air via coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include high fever accompanied by a rash all over the body.

People with insufficient immunity to measles have over a 90% chance of infection upon contact with a patient. An official from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated, “those who have not received the measles vaccine (MMR) or have weakened immunity are at increased risk of contracting measles during overseas travel,” and emphasized, “If you plan to travel abroad, check whether you have received both doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) before traveling, and if not, it is recommended to complete vaccination 4 to 5 weeks before departure (with at least a 4-week interval).”

Meanwhile, before traveling abroad, check the infectious disease information for the destination country to prepare for risk factors. Also, prepare medications such as antipyretics and analgesics, as well as any medicines you are currently taking, for use in emergencies.

During travel, strictly observe personal hygiene such as hand washing and proper cough etiquette to prevent infection. Avoid contact with wild animals that can transmit infectious diseases, such as camels and bats, and to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, apply insect repellent or wear long clothing.

After travel, if entering from quarantine management areas, accurately report any symptoms using the health status questionnaire (or Q-CODE). If symptoms of infectious diseases appear during the incubation period, report to 1339 to receive guidance on appropriate actions. When visiting medical institutions with suspected symptoms, wear a mask and minimize contact with others.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.