As measles spreads rapidly across Southeast Asia, health authorities are heightening their alert. The situation is worsening in particular in Bangladesh, where both cases and deaths are rising at the same time.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) data cited by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 23rd, measles cases in Southeast Asia totaled 6,726 in January–February this year, 2.3 times the 2,940 recorded in the same period a year earlier.
By country, the increase in Bangladesh stands out. From the 15th of last month to the 14th of this month, 2,897 people were confirmed over one month, which is 23 times the total for last year. During this period, 31 deaths also occurred.
In Korea, there has not yet been a large-scale outbreak, but imported cases continue. As of the previous day, there were six measles patients in the country, with three in February, one in March and two so far this month. Of these patients, four (66.7%) were confirmed to have been imported from overseas.
Experts say increased international travel after COVID-19 and declining vaccination rates are serving as key drivers of the spread of measles. Because measles is a disease that can be sufficiently prevented by vaccination, they note that getting vaccinated before traveling abroad is important.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommended checking outbreak countries in advance when traveling abroad and completing vaccinations.