NORTH KOREA COUNTRY HANDBOOK

Typhus. Typhus includes any of several forms of infectious diseases
caused by microorganisms of the genus Rickettsia. It is characterized
by severe headache, sustained fever, depression, and red rashes. Mites
are the primary vector of scrub typhus, an infection prevalent where
scrub brush and secondary growth vegetation coexist. In South Korea,
90 percent of all scrub typhus cases occurred between October and
December. Louse-borne (epidemic) and flea-borne (murine) typhus are
contracted by scratching louse and flea feces into the skin respectively.
Louse-borne typhus has been responsible for large epidemics in Korea
and is still a threat under adverse circumstances, such as war or natural
disaster. Sporadic outbreaks of flea-borne typhus have occurred around
seaports and warehouse areas.
Helminthic Infections. These infections include ascariasis, clonorchiasis,
and hookworm infection. Transmission primarily occurs when the
skin comes in contact with soil or water containing any of a large variety
of parasitic intestinal worms.
Rabies. Before 1975, rabies was a serious concern on the Korean Peninsula.
Since 1976, there have been only two cases of human rabies in
the ROK, with none occurring since 1984. Some cattle and dog cases
were reported in South Korea in 1996.
Diseases Contracted From Other People/Poor Hygiene
Stomach/Intestinal Infections. Prevailing unsanitary conditions make
stomach/intestinal infections a principal threat. Transmission is common
from contaminated food, water, and ice. Diseases of greatest concern
include:
“Traveler's Diarrhea”: Diarrheal diseases probably are the greatest
infectious threat for troops deployed to the Korean Peninsula. Bacterial,
viral, parasitic, and viral causes are all possible. Local food and
water should be considered contaminated unless otherwise indicated
by medical personnel. If you get traveler's diarrhea, drink plenty of
fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated.
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