"Two Doses of Vaccine Required Before Overseas Travel"
Amid a global measles outbreak, Gokseong County conducted a measles prevention campaign on the 13th targeting elementary schools in Gokseong-eup, early childhood care centers, and multicultural families. Photo by Gokseong County
Gokseong County, South Jeolla Province (County Governor Cho Sangrae), announced on the 14th that it conducted a measles prevention campaign on the 13th targeting elementary schools, infant and child care centers, and multicultural families in Gokseong-eup.
This campaign was organized to encourage residents planning to travel abroad to prepare in advance against measles by getting vaccinated, as measles is spreading worldwide.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a large number of measles cases have been reported in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and China. It was also confirmed that recent domestic cases involved individuals with a history of travel to Vietnam.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection transmitted through the air by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, rash, and whitish spots inside the mouth. The infection rate exceeds 90% when a person without sufficient immunity comes into contact with a measles patient.
Therefore, those planning to travel abroad should receive two doses of the measles vaccine. If both doses have not been administered or vaccination status is unclear, two doses should be completed 4 to 6 weeks before departure, with a 4-week interval between doses. In particular, infants under one year old with weak immune systems are at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and encephalitis if infected with measles.
An official from the county said, "As measles is spreading globally, please make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling, and help prevent infectious diseases by following personal hygiene practices such as handwashing and wearing a mask."
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