When visiting Southeast Asia, beware of Dengue fever and Zika virus infection

Recently, 'Dengue fever/Zika virus infection' mediated by mosquitoes is occurring mainly in Southeast Asia such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand, so it is necessary to be careful not to be bitten by mosquitoes when visiting Southeast Asia.

This year alone, 61 people who returned from visiting Southeast Asia were confirmed to have dengue fever, and two cases of Zika virus infection this year. In the case of malaria, 385 cases in 2020, 294 cases in 2021 and increased from the previous year to 398 this year.

Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for Dengue fever and Zika virus infection, so it is most important not to be bitten by mosquitoes. Even after the trip, both men and women should avoid sexual contact for three months, such as delaying pregnancy and using condoms.

If symptoms appear within two weeks of a mosquito bite after visiting a risky country, you should visit a medical institution, inform the medical staff of your recent visit, and receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention of Dengue Fever and Zika Virus

▲Before your visit

 -Check information on infectious diseases to be aware of by area visited on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website (kdca.go.kr)

 -Know how to prevent mosquitoe bites and prepare mosquito repellent supplies and medicines (mosquito repellent, mosquito net, etc.)

▲ While visiting

 -Avoid places where there are a lot of mosquitoes, such as 'grass' and 'in the mountains'

 -When going out, wear long-sleeved tops and long pants, and use mosquito repellent.

 -Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, so wear light-colored clothes when you are outside

 - Living in air-conditioned accommodation with insect screens or mosquito nets

▲After visiting

 -Visit the nearest medical institution if symptoms (fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, etc.) occur within 2 weeks of returning to your home country

 -Notifying medical staff of recent overseas visits when visiting medical institutions

 - Prohibit blood donation during the blood donation pending period (4 weeks)

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