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Warning Against Japanese Encephalitis in South Korea

Following the identification of a mosquito that can transmit Japanese encephalitis, health authorities are advising the public to vaccinate children under the age of 12 against this infection. In 2017, there were 2 deaths due to Japanese encephalitis virus. The mosquito was found in the southeastern port city of Busan yesterday.

Advice

Japanese encephalitis cases may occur sporadically in South Korea. However, the risk of Japanese encephalitis is very low for most travellers to Asia, particularly for short-term visitors to urban areas. However, the risk varies according to the season, destination, duration of travel and activities. Travellers to areas where this virus is circulating can reduce their risk of exposure to Japanese encephalitis virus by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. While vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is generally recommended for travellers visiting rural areas or engaging in agricultural activities such as rice cultivation, some of these agricultural activities where mosquitoes breed may be near or within urban centres.

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