Revised “Quarantinable disease risk areas” from January 1, 2019

Hwang Ji-Hye, Son Tae-Jong, Park Gi-Jun
Division of Quarantine Support, Center for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, KCDC

The National Quarantine Station has been strengthening a phased quarantine inspection system for passengers entering or leaving Korea, to prevent the spread of emerging infectious diseases and protect the health of the people beyond its borders. According to "The Quarantine Act," the director of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(KCDC) can designate and release “Quarantinable disease risk areas,” twice a year. From January 1, 2019, the number of “Quarantinable disease risk areas,” has changed from 60 to 67 countries* [Cholera, 18; Plague, 1; Yellow fever, 42; Avian influenza, 1; Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), 4; and poliomyelitis, 9]. Six areas have been designated as “Adjacent to MERS-risk areas,” taking into account the occurrence and trend of overseas infectious diseases. Overseas travelers are recommended to check the revised “Quarantinable disease risk areas,” before departure from Korea and submit a health questionnaire to the quarantine officer of the National Quarantine Station at the time of entry into Korea if they have passed through the “Quarantinable disease risk areas,” including “Adjacent to MERS-risk areas.”

* Some countries have the overlapping areas among “Quarantinable disease risk areas.”

Keywords: Quarantine, Quarantinable disease risk areas, The Quarantine Act, Infectious disease