[Laboratory Surveillance of Water- and Foodborne Infectious Diseases Imported from Overseas in 2024].

Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and detect water- and foodborne pathogens imported by overseas travelers entering the country through Incheon International Airport in 2024, based on sex, age, and country. It further aimed to provide fundamental information on the epidemiology and risk factors of water- and foodborne diseases in the Republic of Korea to facilitate effective prevention and response strategies. Methods: The Capital Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention participates in the Enteric Pathogens Active Surveillance Network, which is coordinated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. From January to December 2024, specimens were collected from overseas travelers exhibiting symptoms of water- and foodborne diseases at the Incheon Airport National Quarantine Station, with their prior consent. Five genera of bacteria and five types of viruses causing water- and foodborne infectious diseases were isolated and detected from these specimens. Results: Among the 203 collected specimens, 91 (44.8%) pathogenic bacteria causing water- and foodborne diseases, and 28 (13.8%) pathogenic viruses were detected. Among these, the most prevalent pathogens were pathogenic Escherichia coli and norovirus associated with 47 (51.6%) and 25 cases (89.3%), respectively. The Philippines and Indonesia were the major sources of these imported pathogens. Moreover, the isolation and detection rates were the highest during the vacation season (January, February, July, and August). Conclusions: Education and public awareness campaigns on preventive measures against water- and foodborne infectious diseases should be strengthened for travelers to cholera quarantine areas such as the Philippines and Indonesia. In addition, continuous monitoring of the causative pathogens should be conducted through surveillance systems to prevent the importation of water- and foodborne infectious diseases.