Sejong City recently urged citizens visiting India to exercise particular caution as Nipah virus infection has been spreading, mainly in West Bengal in northeastern India.
Nipah virus infection is a high-risk infectious disease with a fatality rate of 40–75% and was designated a first-class statutory infectious disease in Sep. last year.
According to Sejong City on the 4th, no cases have been reported so far of transmission to countries other than India. However, thorough preventive management is needed in preparation for possible imported cases.
Infection spreads through contact with animals or consumption of contaminated food and beverages, and person-to-person transmission is also known to be possible through close contact with a patient's bodily fluids. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain, and if it progresses to a severe stage, it can lead to neurological symptoms and death.
In response, the city emphasized compliance with preventive measures for citizens and arrivals visiting quarantine control areas such as India and Bangladesh. In particular, it urged: ▲ avoid contact with animals ▲ do not consume beverages that may be contaminated or fruit that has fallen on the ground ▲ avoid contact with patients' blood and bodily fluids ▲ wash hands and maintain personal hygiene.
It advised that if symptoms such as fever occur upon entry, travelers should report to a quarantine officer via the health declaration form and visit a public health center immediately if suspected symptoms occur thereafter.
Kim Ryeo-su, director of the Health and Welfare Bureau of Sejong City, said, "There are currently no domestic cases, but because Nipah virus infection has a very high fatality rate, it is more important than anything else for citizens to follow preventive measures," and added, "Please strictly adhere to basic rules such as personal hygiene before and after overseas travel and sharing your travel history."