Half of Patients Related to Kazakhstan Travel
Europe Also Sees Surge in Cases... "Vaccination Essential"
As the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, measles is resurging worldwide. In response, health authorities have urged travelers to verify their vaccination status before traveling abroad and to maintain strict personal hygiene during their trips.
Eight Measles Cases Reported Domestically... Global Measles Outbreak Warning
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 12th, as of the 11th, there have been eight confirmed measles cases in South Korea this year, all of which were imported from overseas. Although no outbreaks have occurred, half of the cases (four) developed after October.
Among the eight domestic cases this year, four were related to visits to Kazakhstan, two had traveled to India, and one had visited Thailand. The remaining case is suspected to have been infected on an airplane.
Measles, classified as a second-class notifiable infectious disease, is a respiratory infection transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, widespread rash, and oral lesions.
It is highly contagious, with a basic reproduction number (the number of people one infected person can infect) ranging from 12 to 18. More than 90% of individuals with insufficient immunity who come into contact with a patient become infected.
In South Korea, a major outbreak occurred in 2000-2001, but cases sharply declined after the implementation of vaccination programs. Since being recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for measles elimination in 2014, only imported cases have been reported.
There were 194 measles cases in 2019 domestically, but the number dropped sharply to six in 2020 due to travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
No cases were reported in 2021 and last year, but this year, due to the global resurgence and increased overseas travel, cases have reappeared.
Globally, the number of measles cases surged 2.9 times from the previous year to 170,296 last year. This year, up to October, 223,804 cases were reported, which is 1.8 times higher than the same period last year.
In particular, Europe saw a 28.2-fold increase in cases this year. Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific regions also experienced increases of 3.5 times and 3 times, respectively. Cases are rapidly rising in countries such as Yemen, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and T?rkiye.
Health Authorities Urge "Verification of Vaccination Status and Strict Personal Hygiene During Visits"
The KDCA has requested medical institutions to suspect measles and actively conduct tests when patients with a history of overseas travel visit with symptoms such as fever and rash.
For those planning to visit countries experiencing measles outbreaks, it is recommended to confirm that they have received both doses of the MMR vaccine.
Individuals born after January 1, 1968, who have no record of previous vaccination, have never had measles, or lack confirmed measles antibodies, should receive two doses of the vaccine (at least four weeks apart) 4 to 6 weeks before visiting outbreak countries.
Health authorities consider those born before this date to have acquired antibodies through past outbreaks.
During travel, frequent handwashing and wearing masks if symptoms are suspected are essential to maintain personal hygiene. If symptoms such as fever or rash suggestive of measles appear upon entry, travelers must inform quarantine officers.
The incubation period for measles is 7 to 21 days. If symptoms are suspected, individuals should avoid using public transportation and minimize contact with others.
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