Review of the Incidence of Japanese Encephalitis in Foreign-Born and Korean Nationals Living in the Republic of Korea, 2007–2016.
10.24171/j.phrp.2018.9.3.08
- Author:
Een Suk SHIN
1
;
Ok PARK
;
In Sik KONG
Author Information
1. Division of Risk Assessment & International Cooperation, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongju, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
foreign-born nationals;
Japanese encephalitis;
Korean-born nationals;
vaccination
- MeSH:
Asian Continental Ancestry Group*;
Encephalitis, Japanese*;
Humans;
Immunization Programs;
Incidence*;
Korea;
Republic of Korea*;
Vaccination
- From:
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives
2018;9(3):126-129
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine was introduced to the national immunization program in 1985, which has led to a dramatic decrease in the number of reported cases, but JE continues to occur in foreign nationals residing in or traveling to Korea. Although the incidence is low, this study demonstrated that more Koreans were infected with JE than foreign-born expatriates. The incidence rates of Korean-born nationals were between 0.01 and 0.08 cases per 100,000. In contrast, the incidence rates of foreign-born nationals ranged between 0 and 0.26 cases per 100,000. The incidence rates clearly showed that foreign-born expatriates were more at risk, which underscores the importance of vaccination. We recommend heightened surveillance among JE-susceptible individuals and promote vaccination among foreign-born nationals living in Korea.
