Jinan County Issues Global Measles Outbreak Alert... Urges Vaccination

Recommendations for Wearing Masks and Handwashing While Traveling

Jinan County in North Jeolla Province announced on the 2nd that, due to the recent global outbreak of measles, it is urging residents who are planning to travel abroad to take special precautions against measles and other infectious diseases.

A poster with sensible tips for measles prevention before traveling abroad. Provided by Jinan County.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of the 26th of last month, there have been a total of 24 confirmed cases of measles in the country, all of whom were either infected after traveling abroad or through contact with infected individuals within Korea. Notably, a significant number of recent cases had a history of visiting Vietnam.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and spots inside the mouth. It is characterized by the spread of a red rash all over the body, and in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia or encephalitis.

The county recommends that residents planning overseas travel: ▲ Check that they have received two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before traveling ▲ Follow personal hygiene practices such as wearing masks and washing hands while traveling ▲ Visit a hospital immediately and minimize contact with others if any suspected symptoms occur after returning.

In particular, for infants under 12 months, the risk of complications such as pneumonia and otitis media is high if infected with measles. Therefore, it is advisable to either receive the measles vaccine in advance (accelerated vaccination is possible) or refrain from visiting countries where measles is prevalent.

In the county, residents can receive paid vaccinations at two local medical institutions: Jinan County Medical Center and Uri Family Medicine.

Rha Younghyun, head of the Health Administration Division, stated, "Measles is a disease that can be sufficiently prevented through vaccination," and urged, "Please strictly follow preventive measures, including vaccination, to prevent measles and other infectious diseases before and after traveling abroad."