Measles cases in Japan have climbed to their highest level in a decade and influenza has entered its epidemic phase earlier than in previous years, prompting South Korea's Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to urge participants in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and other travelers to get vaccinated and follow hygiene guidelines.
Japan had recorded 549 measles patients as of the 25th of last month, the highest level in the past 10 years, the agency said on the 9th. Whooping cough, which spread widely last year, is also continuing to occur. For influenza, the average number of patients at sentinel surveillance sites reached 1.11 in the 34th week of this year, exceeding the epidemic threshold of 1.0 and marking the start of the flu season about five weeks earlier than last year.
The 20th Asian Games, to be held in Japan's Aichi Prefecture and the city of Nagoya from the 19th through the 4th of next month, will draw as many as 15,000 athletes and officials from more than 45 countries and regions. South Korea plans to send a delegation of 1,061 people competing in 41 sports.
The agency said it assessed infectious disease outbreaks in Japan and major participating countries along with the possibility of transmission into South Korea and further domestic spread, and concluded that the overall risk from major infectious diseases including measles, whooping cough and influenza is "low" or "very low." Still, it said the risk of local infection could rise given the nature of international events, where participants from many countries live in close quarters at venues and athlete accommodations.
The agency recommended that travelers verify their measles (MMR) and whooping cough (Tdap) vaccination records before departure. Those who have not received two doses of the measles vaccine or whose vaccination history is uncertain should get vaccinated, and adolescents and adults should check whether they have received the whooping cough vaccine and, if recommended, get the shot before leaving the country.
While in Japan, travelers should wash their hands for at least 30 seconds, observe cough etiquette and ventilate rooms regularly in crowded places such as venues and lodgings. Those with respiratory symptoms such as fever or coughing are advised to wear a mask and limit contact with others. Eating thoroughly cooked food and drinking safe water is also necessary to prevent infections linked to group meals and communal living.
Travelers returning to South Korea who have suspected symptoms such as fever, rash, coughing or diarrhea must report them to quarantine officers through Q-CODE or a health status questionnaire. Those who develop symptoms after returning home should visit a medical institution, inform the staff of their recent travel to Japan and seek treatment.
The agency said it will operate an infectious disease response team during the Games to continuously monitor outbreak trends in Japan and major participating countries and share related information with relevant agencies.
