Epidemiological approach to the prevention of imported infectious diseases in the age of globalization.

Abstract

As globalization progresses, over 10% of Japanese citizens now travel abroad. With this, there are many cases in which people catch a variety of infectious and contagious diseases abroad. In addition, new infectious diseases also have been emerging in the world. Therefore, protection of travelers' health and prevention of the import of infectious diseases are of ever increasing importance. From this point of view, at the Narita Airport Quarantine Station, a Health Information Corner for travelers going abroad was established in 1992, along with Health Consultation Rooms for arriving passengers. In order to overcome imported infectious diseases, the promotion of domestic and international cooperation among the health and medical organizations concerned is required for primary prevention, and early detection or treatment of the diseases.