As the measles outbreak continues worldwide, domestic cases are also increasing, primarily due to imported cases.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted that a total of 35 measles cases had been reported domestically as of the 5th of this year. This is nearly double the 18 cases reported during the same period last year.
Among the 35 measles patients reported this year, 23 (67.7%) were found to have been infected overseas. The remaining 12 (34.3%) were infected after coming into contact with imported cases at home or in medical facilities.
Of the 23 infected overseas, 22 were infected while traveling in Vietnam, and 1 was infected during a trip to Uzbekistan. Among the total of 35 cases, 25 (71.4%) were adults aged 19 or older, and 23 (65.7%) had either no history of measles vaccination or were unsure of their vaccination status.
Measles, a Class 2 notifiable infectious disease, is transmitted via aerosols formed by sneezing or coughing, making it highly contagious. Infected individuals may exhibit fever and rash, along with grayish-white spots in the mouth, and over 90% of those without immunity who come into contact with a patient can become infected.
Recently, measles has been spreading primarily in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. There have also been outbreaks across Asia, with 544 cases reported in Cambodia last year, and cases reported in China (539), as well as Vietnam and the Philippines (both 144 cases).
South Korea is a measles elimination country certified by the World Health Organization (WHO), but sporadic imported cases continue to emerge.
The agency expects that cases of measles caused by imported infections will continue in the country for the time being and advised that those planning to visit countries experiencing measles outbreaks should check their vaccination status and complete vaccinations.
Infants under 1 year of age with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and encephalitis if they contract measles, so it is advisable to refrain from visiting countries experiencing measles outbreaks. If travel is unavoidable, mandatory vaccinations should be completed before departure.
It generally takes about 2 weeks to develop immunity after vaccination. If returning home with a fever or rash, one should report their health status to the entry quarantine officer.
Jiyoung Mi, the head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized the need to check whether individuals have completed two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. For those who have not completed the two doses or are unsure, it is recommended to complete the vaccination at least 6 weeks prior to departure (with a minimum interval of 4 weeks). She added, "If experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or rash after overseas travel, one should immediately visit a medical institution, inform them of recent travel history, and seek medical care."