"I've Already Booked My Trip to Japan, But This Is Serious"...Highest Number of Measles Cases in Japan in a Decade Spurs Emergency Alert

549 Measles Cases Reported in Japan as of Late August
Influenza Outbreak Occurring Five Weeks Earlier than Usual

Japan, expected to be the most popular destination for overseas travelers during the Chuseok holiday, has recorded its highest number of measles cases in the past ten years, prompting visitors to exercise caution.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on September 21, there were 549 measles cases in Japan as of the end of August this year, marking the highest level in the past decade.

Measles is an extremely contagious infectious disease that spreads through the air. Individuals without immunity who come into contact with an infected person have more than a 90% chance of becoming infected.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a full-body rash. Infants, pregnant women, and other immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia or encephalitis. Therefore, if you have not completed the recommended two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, or if you are unsure of your vaccination status, it is important to verify your immunization history before traveling abroad.

Japan has also seen an unusually early onset of the influenza season this year. The influenza epidemic began in week 34, five weeks earlier than usual. Travelers planning to visit crowded places such as festivals or public facilities should be mindful of infection prevention by washing hands, practicing proper cough etiquette, and wearing masks if respiratory symptoms develop.

Travelers to Southeast Asia Should Be Vigilant for Mosquito-borne Diseases

On December 31st last year, the first passenger terminal at Incheon International Airport was bustling with travelers ahead of the New Year's bridge holiday.

Travelers to Southeast Asian countries—including Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines—should pay attention to the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever. It is recommended to use mosquito repellent every 3 to 4 hours and wear long, light-colored clothing. If you have been bitten by a mosquito or experience fever, headache, or muscle aches upon arrival, you should report it to a quarantine officer to receive a complimentary dengue fever test.

In China, travelers are advised to avoid visiting poultry farms and live bird markets to prevent avian influenza (commonly known as "bird flu") infections in humans. In particular, those who visit or transit through key quarantine management areas in China—including Guangdong, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sichuan, Yunnan, Jiangxi, Chongqing, and Tianjin—must submit a Q-CODE (Pre-Entry Quarantine Information Input System) or a health declaration form.

Meanwhile, during this Chuseok holiday (September 24-27), Japan was identified as the most visited overseas destination by Korean travelers. By city, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo ranked first through third, respectively. According to an analysis of Chuseok holiday and domestic and international travel reservation data released by Trip.com Group on September 21, Japan—well known as a prime short-haul destination—was found to be the most popular overseas travel spot for the period. Vietnam’s Da Nang and Nha Trang, as well as Shanghai, China, followed in the rankings.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.