Japan to introduce tuberculosis testing for travellers from Philippines, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar

Nov 22, 2023 | News On Japan

Nov 22, 2023 (visaguide.world) - In 2024, the Japanese government aims to mandate tuberculosis tests for individuals from six countries seeking to enter Japan for over three months.

Japanese Health Minister Keizo Takemi said the six countries affected by the tuberculosis testing requirements are the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Nepal, and Myanmar. He pointed out that a significant number of new tuberculosis cases in Japan originate from these countries, VisaGuide.World reports.

As reported by local media, tuberculosis infections in Japan currently remain relatively low, with the incidence rate dropping to 8.2 cases per 100,000 people in 2022, marking the second consecutive year below ten.

This places Japan in the World Health Organization’s category of nations with a low incidence of the illness. On the other hand, mainland China reports a higher rate of 52 cases per 100,000 people, while Hong Kong documented 50.13 cases per 100,000 people in 2021.

According to government data, nearly 12 percent of new syphilis cases in Japan are attributed to individuals arriving from abroad, and this percentage is on a gradual incline.

Despite these health statistics, Japanese health authorities highlight another concern, noting a significant rise in syphilis cases. As of October 29, the country reported a record 12,000 cases last year, marking the fastest rate of increase since comparable data became available in 1999.

In addition, individuals displaying symptoms or testing positive will be subject to quarantine. ...continue reading

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