As respiratory infectious disease measles is spreading globally, there have been 7 confirmed cases domestically.

Measles is an acute rash virus disease that is highly contagious. When infected with measles, symptoms appear initially like a cold, such as cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, followed by a high fever and rash that starts on the face and spreads to the entire body. /Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 20th, 6 individuals, including a patient hospitalized at a hospital in Gwangju and their family members, recently tested positive for measles. Based on their addresses, there are 2 from Gwangju and 4 from Jeollanam-do, comprising 3 infants under 1 year old, 1 person in their 20s, and 2 individuals in their 30s. Additionally, there was 1 confirmed case in Jeju.

An infant who visited Vietnam with family last month showed symptoms such as fever and was hospitalized, becoming the first confirmed case. Subsequently, it was identified that other infants, guardians, and hospital staff who came into contact at the same hospital were infected.

All those affected are reported to have received treatment and are currently recovering. Health authorities are conducting an epidemiological investigation into the patients' movements and contacts. The total number of measles patients in the country last year was 49, while this year, to date, has seen a tally of 21.

In Vietnam, approximately 40,000 suspected patients have emerged this year alone, with 5 fatalities reported. The local health ministry stated that the number of deaths recorded in the last three months is equivalent to the number of deaths during the entire previous year, hence issuing a measles alert.

The age distribution of infected patients in Vietnam shows that 72.7% are between 9 months and under 15 years old, while 15.3% are under 9 months. By region, the southern part, which includes Ho Chi Minh City, has the highest number at 57%. This is followed by the central region (19.2%), the northern region (15.1%), and the central highlands (8.7%).

Measles is transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing and has a very high contagiousness. Infection can lead to symptoms such as fever, rash, and grayish-white spots in the mouth. Individuals with insufficient immunity have over a 90% chance of contracting the disease upon contact with an infected person.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted, "Before traveling, you must confirm that you have received both doses of the measles vaccine. If you have not been vaccinated, you need to complete both doses at least 6 weeks before departure," and "If you experience fever or rash symptoms after traveling, suspect measles and visit a medical institution."