First Measles Case of the Year Reported in Busan

A measles case has been reported in Busan, prompting health authorities to go on high alert.

The Busan Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) announced on the 20th that one measles case had been confirmed. The city is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation into the patient's movements and contacts, and has activated an emergency response system to monitor for any additional confirmed cases.

The patient is a resident of Busan in their twenties, currently receiving inpatient treatment, and is known to have recently traveled to Vietnam and Thailand.

With the activation of the emergency response system: ▲ The city and local governments are identifying the patient's contacts and will monitor them for 21 days from the last contact date. If any suspicious symptoms appear, testing will be requested through the Busan Institute of Health & Environment. ▲ Medical institutions are required to immediately report to the local health center and conduct testing if a patient has a history of overseas travel or exhibits suspected measles symptoms during consultation.

Additionally, Busan is maintaining a hotline with health center officials responsible for contacts, ensuring rapid information sharing in emergencies, and monitoring for suspected measles cases in nearby areas.

Last year, a total of 49 measles cases were reported nationwide, and as of March 18 this year, there have been 21 cases. All cases involved either overseas travel or contact with confirmed patients within Korea.

In Busan, this is the first measles case since two cases were reported last year.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, a rash all over the body, and oral lesions.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends that those planning overseas travel who have not been vaccinated against measles, or whose vaccination status is unclear, should receive two doses of the vaccine (4-6 weeks before departure, with at least a 4-week interval) before leaving the country.

Lee Sora, Director of the Busan City Public Health Bureau, stated, "We will closely monitor the possibility of additional cases with our thorough response system and do our utmost to prevent further spread." She added, "We ask that local health centers and medical institutions actively promote measles prevention guidelines for overseas travel, check travel history for patients with suspected symptoms, report suspected cases to the relevant health center, and faithfully implement infection control measures."

Busan City Hall.