New Regulations for Zika Virus in Korea

On the 18th of November 2016, the WHO announced that the Zika virus no longer represents a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’. In accordance with the WHO’s decision, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has removed the Zika virus infection from the list of quarantinable diseases. Zika virus affected countries have also been removed from the special watch list.The National Quarantine Station in Korea recently announced that vessels entering Korea, after having called at a Zika virus affected country, are no longer required for disinfection onboard or to submit a Self-Disinfection Certificate. This has now changed to the normal quarantine procedures.