Possible Risks of Human Tumor Virus Infection among Overseas Travelers in Japan

Abstract

Under the recent trend of rapid increase of overseas travelers in Japan, the potential risks of visitors to the human tumor virus infections (HTLV-I, high -risk HPVs, HBV, HCV and EBV) were summarized based on original research/review articles and recent surveillance reports. Almost all human tumor virusesare transmitted through blood, mother to child and sexual contact. Amongst them, only infection with HBV and HPVs are vaccine-preventable. However, HPV vaccination coverage is very low in Japan when compared to western developed countries due to several complicated reasons. While HTLV-I is uniquely prevalent in Japan. Thus, most human tumor virus infections represent the most likely risks for overseas travelers in Japan. Maintaining an up-to-date routine vaccination schedule is therefore highly recommended, especially those who attend the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games. Also, it is very important for them to take action to prevent human tumor virus infections by using self-protective measures such as condom. Infection risk of HCV and EBV is considered low in Japan.