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