Three Measles Cases Reported in Jeonnam... Risk of Infection Spread

The Province Urges Two Doses of Vaccine for Children Under Six When Traveling Abroad

Measles Prevention Information Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do has recently urged the public to take special precautions, including vaccination, as measles is spreading worldwide and cases have been reported in the Honam region following overseas travel.

Last year, there were 49 measles cases nationwide, with none reported in Jeollanam-do. As of the 18th of this year, a total of eight cases have been reported in the Honam region, including three in Jeollanam-do.

The first measles case in the Honam region was a contact of a foreign national residing in Gwangju who returned to Korea after traveling to Vietnam. It has been confirmed that none of the confirmed patients reside in Jeollanam-do, and local contacts are being closely monitored.

Measles is transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and white spots inside the mouth. Measles is a highly contagious disease, with over 90% of people who lack immunity becoming infected after contact with a patient.

Since measles can be sufficiently prevented by vaccination, it is essential to receive the measles vaccine (MMR) twice: once between 12 and 15 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years of age.

Infants who are not yet eligible for vaccination (under 12 months old) or individuals who lack or have reduced immunity to measles are at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia or otitis media if infected, so special caution is needed.

Before traveling to countries where measles is prevalent, such as Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Western Pacific, and Southeast Asia, travelers should check their vaccination status (MMR). If two doses have not been completed or vaccination status is uncertain, both doses should be completed 4 to 6 weeks before departure.

In addition, infants under one year old (6 to 11 months) who are traveling to countries with measles outbreaks are eligible for free accelerated measles vaccination, and vaccination must be completed at least two weeks before departure.

Namseok Nam, head of the Infectious Disease Control Division of Jeollanam-do, said, "Vaccination is extremely important for preventing measles, so please ensure that children between 12 months and 6 years of age receive both doses of the MMR vaccine on schedule." He added, "We will do our utmost to block the spread in the community by establishing a rapid response system in cooperation with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Gwangju City, and city and county public health centers."