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Imported infectious diseases(수입 감염증에 대해서)

Last updated date:2024/3/1

What are imported infectious diseases?

There are many infectious diseases that only occur rarely or not at all in Japan, but which are prevalent overseas.
(Examples include dysentery, typhoid fever, rabies, dengue fever, malaria, measles, etc.)
In recent years, there has been an increase in overseas tourists and movement between international borders. As a result, this has led to a rising number of reported cases of Japanese or foreign nationals thought to have picked up an infectious disease overseas.
It is important for everyone to take steps to protect themselves from infection and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases in their community.

Prevention of imported infectious diseases

  • Before you travel, make sure to find out in advance what kinds of diseases are prevalent at your travel destination.

Before you depart, make sure you are in good physical condition and maintain your body's resistance to infection.
Obtain information in advance on the sanitary conditions, prevalence of infectious diseases, and medical facilities in your destination country.
Check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Quarantine Information Office website(외부 사이트) * for information on infectious diseases that you should be aware of.
The page is in Japanese, but you can toggle between languages.

  • Get vaccinated

Consider getting vaccinated depending on the region you are traveling to, the duration of your trip, and the activities you will be doing during your trip.
For more information on diseases that can be prevented with vaccinations, please refer to the Immunizations for Overseas Travel page of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Quarantine Information Office website(외부 사이트).

  • Be careful what you eat abroad

Avoid drinking tap water. Boil tap water or drink mineral water. Be wary about drinking beverages with ice or watered-down alcoholic beverages.
Avoid raw vegetables, cut fruits, raw seafood and raw meat.
Avoid unpasteurized milk, ice cream, and yogurt.
Wash your hands frequently. Washing hands before eating and after using the restroom is especially important.

  • Take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites

Wear clothes with long sleeves and long pants, and avoid exposing bare skin as much as possible.
Use insect repellents appropriately.
If you have a fever or other symptoms after returning to Japan, please consult with the quarantine station or the Health Promotion Section of the Welfare and Public Health Center in your nearest ward.
After returning to Japan, take measures to avoid mosquito bites for about two weeks even if you have no symptoms.

  • Do not approach or touch animals without due care

Animals may carry a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

  • Avoid walking barefoot or entering water near rivers, lakes, swamps, etc.

Bodies of water may contain parasites that can be transmitted from the skin to humans.

  • Seek medical attention if you feel unwell after returning to Japan

Quarantine stations at airports and ports provide health consultations. Be sure to consult with them if you are not feeling well at the time of entry into Japan.
Even if you feel fine at the time of entry, you may become ill a short time afterward, depending on the infectious disease in question.
In such cases, please seek medical attention. Contact a medical institution and inform them in advance of where you travelled, your period of stay, whether you had any contact with animals, etc., and make sure to wear a mask or other protective gear when visiting. Pages to check when you need to seek medical attention.

Where to inquire
ContentContact details
Imported infectious diseasesHealth Safety Division, Medical Care Bureau (*Inquiries in Japanese only)
Tel: 045-671-2463
Fax: 045-664-7296
Email: ir-kenkoanzen@city.yokohama.jp

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