Gov't issues heightened bird flu warning for overseas travelers

SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean government on Wednesday issued
heightened bird flu warnings for overseas travelers following the spread of the
deadly disease in nearby countries.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), which called for
more precautions, said outbreaks in six countries including Indonesia and Vietnam
affected 30 people last year, with China beefing up quarantine efforts after the
death of a 19-year-old female in Beijing earlier in the week. The teenager, who
got sick last month, died Tuesday with authorities suspecting avian influenza as
the cause.
It said travelers should stay away from traditional poultry markets, farms and
bird sanctuaries, take extra care of personal hygiene and promptly report any
fevers, coughing and respiratory problems to health authorities upon arrival in
the country.
The KCDC also said that quarantine offices at all international airports and
harbors have been ordered to strengthen checkups on people arriving from
countries that have confirmed outbreaks of bird flu as a precautionary measure.
Seoul has already been on high alert for possible outbreaks since November, with
cases of non-virulent strains being reports in some areas.
Experts said that in South Korea, outbreaks are likely caused by migratory birds
that arrive during the winter months from the north.
The country has been hit three times by avian influenza, with the latest outbreak
occurring in April of 2008 and resulting in a record 8.46 million birds being
culled at the cost of around 264 billion won (US$204 million). Other outbreaks
took place in the winter months of 2003-2004 and 2006-2007.
No South Korean national has ever become sick from bird flu, although the
government said 10 South Koreans were infected in the two previous outbreaks
without developing any symptoms.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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