Jinan County in North Jeolla Urges Adherence to Prevention Guidelines When Traveling Abroad

Nipah Virus Newly Designated as a Statutory Infectious Disease

Jinan County in North Jeolla Province has urged residents to strictly follow infectious disease prevention guidelines when traveling abroad.

According to the county on September 11, this measure comes after Nipah virus infection was newly designated as a first-class infectious disease and a quarantinable disease.

Jinan County Office Exterior. Provided by Jinan County

Nipah virus infection can be transmitted through animals such as bats and pigs, or through contact with infected individuals. It is known to be a highly fatal disease that can cause high fever, respiratory symptoms, and encephalitis.

The disease occurs sporadically in Asian countries within the habitat range of fruit bats, and recent cases have been reported in India and Bangladesh, so caution is advised when visiting these countries.

Accordingly, the county emphasized the following guidelines for residents planning to travel to Southeast Asian regions (including India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, etc.): ▲ Avoid contact with sick animals (especially bats and pigs); ▲ Refrain from consuming drinks such as raw date palm sap or fruit fallen on the ground; ▲ Avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of sick individuals; ▲ Make it a habit to wash hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds; ▲ If high fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms occur, visit a medical institution immediately and inform them of your recent overseas travel.

Moon Minsu, Director of Jinan County Public Health Center, stated, "Although Nipah virus has a high fatality rate, infection can be sufficiently prevented by maintaining personal hygiene and practicing preventive behaviors in high-risk areas. We ask all residents to strictly follow the prevention guidelines when traveling abroad, and if you experience any abnormal symptoms after returning, please report immediately to the public health center or a medical institution."