"Beware of 'Measles' Infection During Overseas Travel"… 49 Domestic Cases Last Year

KDCA: Infants and Toddlers at Risk of Pneumonia, Otitis Media, Encephalitis Complications
Ensure Completion of '2-Dose Vaccination' Before Departure if Vaccination History Unconfirmed

As measles is spreading worldwide, two domestic travelers who visited Southeast Asia last month were confirmed to have measles, prompting health authorities to issue a warning.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 6th, a total of 49 measles cases occurred domestically last year, all of which were infected either after traveling abroad or through contact with patients. Notably, among them was an infant under 1 year old who traveled overseas with their parents. Since infants have vulnerable immune systems, if they contract measles, complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, or encephalitis are highly likely, so special caution is needed to prevent infection.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), about 310,000 measles cases occurred worldwide in 2024. By region, Europe had the highest number with 104,849 cases, followed by the Middle East with 88,748 cases. Southeast Asia (32,838 cases) and the Western Pacific region (9,207 cases), which are frequently visited by Koreans, also reported many measles cases.

Measles is an acute rash-causing viral disease transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing, with very high contagiousness. More than 90% of people with insufficient immunity to measles can become infected upon contact with a patient. Early symptoms resemble a cold, including cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis, followed by high fever and rash starting on the face and spreading over the body, along with Koplik's spots inside the mouth.

However, since measles can be sufficiently prevented by vaccination, it is essential to receive two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age. Additionally, if symptoms such as fever or rash appear after returning from travel, report to quarantine officers, wear a mask, avoid public transportation and crowded places, minimize contact with others, and visit a medical institution while informing healthcare providers of your overseas travel history.

Generally, symptoms improve with symptomatic treatment alone (rest, hydration, and nutrition), but hospitalization is required if complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, or dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting occur due to measles.

The KDCA expects an increase in overseas travel during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays and winter vacation, so it recommends confirming whether two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) have been administered before traveling. If two doses have not been completed or vaccination status is uncertain, it is advised to complete two doses at least 4 weeks apart, 4-6 weeks before departure.

Ji Young-mi, director of the KDCA, stated, "Most of the imported measles cases in Korea this year involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Therefore, completing two doses of the measles vaccine is the most important measure for prevention." She added, "Unvaccinated individuals and infants under 1 year old should avoid visiting countries where measles is prevalent as much as possible, and if travel is unavoidable, infants should receive the accelerated measles vaccination."