Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises travelers to check for required vaccines

As the summer vacation season begins,... South Korea's foreign affairs ministry is asking travelers to check local disease risks and get the required vaccinations to stay safe.Park Se-young has more.When planning your summer vacation, there are a few things you have to consider,… beyond what to pack in your suitcase.It's important to protect oneself from diseases specific to the region,... and one must also check for the recommended travel vaccinations.The number of measles cases is spiking in the United States, European countries …and Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.About 229-thousand cases were reported worldwide in 2018,… compared to 170-thousand in 2017.Those traveling to countries where measles has been reported... should get two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines... spaced at least 28 days apart.The entire vaccination sequence should be completed... at least two weeks prior to departure.When traveling to tropical destinations,... travelers should be aware of diseases carried by mosquitoes like yellow fever, dengue and malaria.Yellow fever vaccine is both needed and recommended... when traveling to parts of South America and Africa.Travelers should schedule a vaccination appointment at least ten days prior to departure... to make sure they develop antibodies against the disease.Vaccination certificates are required to enter countries like Panama, Guyana and Ivory Coast.Since there are no vaccines available to prevent dengue, those traveling to Southeast Asia should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.Wearing repellant, long-sleeved shirts and long, bright-colored pants can help keep mosquitoes away.Travelers are also being advised to watch what they eat and drink while on vacation.It's best to avoid raw food or street food,… and it is important to wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water.Park Se-young, Arirang News.