"Preparing for Overseas Travel During the Golden Holidays: Why You Should Be Cautious About Mosquitoes in Southeast Asia"

A case of a South Korean tourist contracting dengue fever during a trip to Bangladesh and subsequently passing away locally has raised concerns about diseases to be cautious of when traveling in Southeast Asia.

 

If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, being aware of these diseases and practicing precautions can help protect your health.

 

According to the South Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 1, 2023, a South Korean traveler, Mr. A, who frequently visited Bangladesh and Africa, displayed dengue fever symptoms on December 22 but unfortunately passed away just two days later on December 24. This was the first reported case of dengue fever infection in South Korea, but cases of dengue fever among visitors to Southeast Asia have been known to occur.

 

Dengue fever is an infectious disease transmitted to humans by mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus (Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus). After an incubation period of 5 to 7 days, symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle pain manifest. Since there is currently no effective vaccine or specific treatment for dengue fever, prevention of mosquito bites is crucial. Let's explore diseases to be cautious of when visiting Southeast Asia, not just dengue fever.

 

Typhoid Fever: Typhoid fever is an acute systemic febrile illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, classified as a Group 1 statutory infectious disease. Symptoms include high fever, headache, constipation or diarrhea, rose-colored spots on the trunk (rose spots), and enlarged spleen. Typhoid is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water, often via the feces of infected patients or carriers. If symptoms persist, complications like intestinal perforation or peritonitis can occur, making caution necessary.

 

Preventive Measures While Traveling: Wash hands with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds, consume safe food, avoid street food, drink packaged water and beverages, and wash fruits and vegetables with clean water before peeling.

 

Measles: Measles is an acute febrile rash illness caused by the measles virus. Early symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, lasting for 3 to 5 days when the contagion is highest. Later, a rash begins behind the ears and spreads to the entire body, accompanied by prolonged fever. Most patients recover naturally, but complications can arise, and since airborne transmission is possible, caution is essential.

 

Preventive Measures: Vaccination against measles is necessary. Travelers at high risk of measles exposure during overseas travel should receive two doses of the vaccine.

 

Zika Virus: After being bitten by mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus, a person may experience an incubation period of 3 to 14 days, followed by symptoms such as a rash with red spots, fever, conjunctival hyperemia (red eyes), joint pain, and muscle pain. Apart from mosquito transmission, Zika virus can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, mother-to-fetus transmission, and laboratory exposure. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika virus, so mosquito bite prevention is crucial. After traveling, individuals should avoid sexual contact for three months, and if suspicious symptoms occur, they should seek medical attention, informing healthcare providers about recent travel history for swift diagnosis and treatment.

 

If you are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, being aware of these diseases and practicing precautions can help protect your health. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for detailed information before your trip.