◇ Inflow of diarrhea infections, such as shigellosis, from Southeast Asia increased by 2.8 times
* 10 cases in 2016 → 28 in 2017 (based on occurrences from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28)
◇ KCDC requests compliance with infectious disease prevention guidelines when traveling in Southeast Asia
* Wash hands for at least 30 seconds, eat cooked foods, avoid eating street foods, drink packaged beverages, wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating

□ The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC, Director Jung Ki-Suck) announced that the inflow of diarrhea infections, such as shigellosis, has increased by 2.8 times* from the previous year and that the infections mainly occur following a trip to Southeast Asian countries**. Accordingly, it urged that caution be taken to prevent the infections, such as to follow infectious disease prevention guidelines, when traveling to these areas.
* Based on the period from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 10 cases in 2016 → 28 cases in 2017; shigellosis (15), paratyphoid fever (5), typhoid fever (3), enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection (3) and cholera (2)
** Countries of Occurrence: the Philippines (13), Cambodia (3), India (3), Laos (2), Indonesia (2)

□ To prevent the inflow of diarrhea infections as a result of overseas trips and spread of the diseases in Korea, the KCDC urged compliance with the infectious disease prevention guidelines as listed below.

○ (Before departure) Before an overseas trip, visit the KCDC website (www.kdca.go.kr→ Overseas Diseases) and check for the infectious diseases with a high probability of occurrence.
* (In case of long-term travel) Visit a clinic for infectious diseases or International Travel Clinic and receive vaccinations for hepatitis A, cholera and typhoid fever.

○ (While traveling) Wash hands properly for at least 30 seconds, eat cooked foods, do not eat street foods, drink packaged water and beverages and wash and peel fruits and vegetables before eating them.

○ (After returning to Korea) If experiencing the symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and fever, etc.
- (If infection occurs at airport) Fill out the health questionnaire, report the symptoms and receive an examination.
- (If infection occurs after returning home) Visit a nearby hospital, inform the medical staff of the country and region traveled and receive an examination and treatment.

□ In addition, the KCDC requests hospitals that have diagnosed and treated patients suffering from diarrhea infections following overseas trips to report the cases to the competent public health centers. Citizens who have questions about the diseases can call the KCDC call center (Tel.:1339).