Japan, expected to be the most popular overseas destination for South Korean travelers during the Chuseok holiday, has recorded its highest number of measles cases in a decade, prompting health warnings.
Measles cases in Japan totaled 549 as of the end of August this year, the highest level in 10 years, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on the 21st.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease. People without immunity who come into contact with an infected person face an infection risk of more than 90%. Travelers who have not completed two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, or are unsure of their vaccination status, should check their immunization records before departure.
Japan's influenza season also began earlier than usual this year, starting in the 34th week, five weeks ahead of the average year. Health authorities advised travelers visiting festivals and other crowded venues to wash their hands frequently, observe cough etiquette and wear a mask if respiratory symptoms appear.
Japan ranked as the top overseas destination for South Korean travelers during this year's Chuseok holiday, which runs from Sept. 24 to 27. Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo took the top three spots among cities, according to an analysis of domestic and overseas travel booking data released on the 21st by Trip.com Group, operator of the Trip.com platform. Da Nang and Nha Trang in Vietnam followed, along with Shanghai in China.
Mosquito-Borne Risks in Southeast Asia, Quarantine Zones in China
Travelers heading to Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines should guard against mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever. Authorities recommend applying mosquito repellent every three to four hours and wearing long, light-colored clothing. Travelers who have been bitten by mosquitoes or who develop fever, headache or muscle pain can report their symptoms to quarantine officers on arrival and receive a free dengue test.
In China, travelers should avoid poultry farms and live poultry markets to prevent avian influenza infection in humans. Those who visit or transit through designated priority quarantine zones in China — including Guangdong, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sichuan, Yunnan and Jiangxi provinces, as well as the municipalities of Chongqing and Tianjin — must submit a Q-CODE, a pre-entry quarantine information system, or a health status questionnaire.
