Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2023 Sep;33(3):71-75. 10.46246/KJAsEM.230010.

Epidemic Trends of Imported Shigellosis Cases in Korea and Japan, 2016–2020

• Lee WC
• Lee MJ
• Kim KS
• Kwon YH

• KMID: 2546523
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.46246/KJAsEM.230010

Abstract

Purpose
To observe and compare the trends in epidemic aspects of imported shigellosis (Sg) cases from overseas travelers (OTs) in Korea and Japan between 2016 and 2020.
Methods
We analyzed the raw data of imported Sg cases from the Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan between 2016 and 2020.
Results
In Korea, there were a total of 596 Sg infections, including 353 cases from overseas travel-associated imported cases, with a cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of 0.23 per 100,000 populations. The CIR of imported Sg cases was 0.32 per 100,000 OTs. In Japan, during the same period, there were a total of 757 Sg cases, including 388 imported cases, with a CIR of 0.12 per 100,000 populations. The CIR of imported Sg cases was 0.50 per 100,000 OTs. The CIR of total Sg cases in Korea was higher than in Japan, but the CIR of imported cases in Korea was lower than in Japan (P<0.01). Additionally, the imported-to-domestic cases ratio of Sg in Korea (1.45) was higher than in Japan (1.05) (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Based on the trends in the epidemiological aspects of domestic and imported Sg infection cases in both countries, a robust information system is needed to provide effective warnings and preventive measures for travelers visiting high-risk areas.

Keyword

Dysentery; Epidemiology; Korea; Japan