"Lunar New Year Trips Abroad, No Room for Complacency"...Uljin County Issues Alert for Travelers to High-Risk Nipah Countries

Deadly Zoonotic Disease With No Treatment Available
Emphasis on Avoiding Contact With Wild Animals and Unsanitary Food Consumption

Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province has raised its infectious disease alert level ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in preparation for an increase in overseas visitors. In light of recent trends in Nipah virus infection, which has a fatality rate of up to 75%, the county is urging travelers to strictly follow prevention guidelines.

Follow Nipah virus infection prevention guidelines

According to the county, infection cases were recently reported in the state of West Bengal in India, but no further spread has been observed. Nevertheless, given that holidays are periods of concentrated international travel, the county plans to minimize risk factors through preemptive guidance.

Nipah virus can be transmitted through contact with infected animals such as fruit bats and pigs, consumption of contaminated fruit or beverages, or close contact with patients' bodily fluids. In particular, since the virus has been found to survive for a certain period even at room temperature, it is advisable to avoid foods for which hygiene cannot be guaranteed.

Symptoms begin with fever, headache, vomiting, and sore throat, but if the disease progresses to a severe stage, it can lead to serious neurological complications such as encephalitis, seizures, and decreased consciousness. As there is no preventive vaccine or specific treatment, disease control authorities emphasize that blocking infection in advance is of the utmost importance.

Uljin County has presented the following basic guidelines for overseas travel: avoid contact with wild animals; do not eat undercooked meat or food of uncertain hygiene; wash hands with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds; and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands. Travelers are advised to seek medical consultation immediately if any unusual symptoms appear during the trip, and to inform medical staff of the countries visited when receiving treatment after returning home.

An official from the public health center said, "The more entries and exits increase during the holiday season, the more individual vigilance becomes the most reliable shield for protecting the local community," adding, "Those planning to visit high-risk countries should fully familiarize themselves with infectious disease information and make preventive behavior a part of their daily routine."