Beware of Infectious Diseases During Overseas Travel!... Increase in Measles Patients

Recent Cases of Measles Imported from Abroad... Caution Needed

Check Infectious Disease Information of Travel Countries and Follow Prevention Guidelines

Gumi City in Gyeongbuk Province has urged travelers to adhere to infectious disease prevention guidelines for a healthy and safe overseas trip, anticipating an increase in overseas travelers during Family Month.

Since the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the global measles vaccination rate has declined, and with increased international exchanges, the number of measles cases has risen. In South Korea, patients who have traveled abroad or come into contact with infected individuals continue to be reported, necessitating caution.

Travelers planning overseas trips must check the infectious disease occurrence information and prevention methods for their destination countries on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website before departure. They should receive necessary vaccinations (preventive medications) before traveling and follow infectious disease prevention guidelines during their trip to ensure a healthy journey.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease transmitted through coughing or sneezing via the air. It can be fully prevented through vaccination. It is recommended to verify vaccination status before traveling abroad and complete vaccination if unvaccinated or if vaccination status is uncertain.

In response to measles cases in the Gyeongbuk area, Gumi City is encouraging measles vaccination status checks and vaccination for unvaccinated individuals at schools with many overseas students, institutions with group living, daycare centers, and kindergartens. They also advise reporting any suspected infectious disease cases immediately to the public health center.

Choi Hyun-joo, Director of Gumi Public Health Center, stated, “For a safe and enjoyable trip, please check the infectious disease information of the travel country and strictly follow prevention guidelines during travel. As measles is spreading worldwide, we hope travelers verify their measles vaccination status before traveling and complete two doses 4 to 6 weeks prior to departure if vaccination status is uncertain.”