Global Measles Outbreak Doubles Domestic Cases... "Vaccination Required Before Overseas Travel"

KDCA Confirms 23 Imported Cases and 12 Secondary Infections
Over 90% Infection Rate for Non-immune Individuals Exposed to Measles Patients

As measles outbreaks continue worldwide, domestic cases are also increasing, mainly among infected individuals entering the country from abroad.

Measles rash and Koplik spots in the mouth appearing in patients infected with measles. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 10th, a total of 35 measles patients have been reported domestically as of the 5th of this year. This is nearly double the 18 cases reported during the same period last year.

Among the 35 cases, 23 (67.7%) were infected overseas and entered the country, while the remaining 12 (34.3%) were infected through contact with imported patients at home or in medical institutions. Of the 23 overseas infections, 22 were infected while traveling in Vietnam, and 1 in Uzbekistan.

Of these 35 patients, 25 (71.4%) were adults aged 19 or older, and 23 (65.7%) either had no history of measles vaccination or were unaware of their vaccination status.

Measles, a second-class notifiable infectious disease, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be transmitted through airborne aerosols formed by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include fever, rash, and Koplik spots inside the mouth. More than 90% of people without immunity to measles can become infected upon contact with a patient.

However, since measles is fully preventable through vaccination, the KDCA recommends that the measles vaccine (MMR) be administered twice: once between 12 and 15 months of age and again between 4 and 6 years of age.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles outbreaks continue globally, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, with a total of 360,000 cases reported last year alone. Currently, outbreaks are also occurring in various parts of Asia, with 544 cases reported in Cambodia, 539 in China, 144 in Vietnam, and 144 in the Philippines so far this year.

Although South Korea is certified by WHO as a measles elimination country, sporadic cases from overseas importation have been reported, with 8 cases in 2023 and 49 cases in 2024.

The KDCA expects that measles cases due to overseas importation will continue domestically for the time being and recommends that those planning to visit measles outbreak countries must verify their vaccination status and complete vaccination. It usually takes about two weeks after vaccination to develop immunity.

In particular, infants under one year old with vulnerable immune systems are at high risk of complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and encephalitis if infected with measles. Therefore, it is advised to avoid visiting measles outbreak countries if possible, and if travel is unavoidable, to receive measles vaccination before departure.

If you have a fever or rash upon returning from abroad, you must report your health status to the quarantine officer at the arrival hall.

Jiyoungmi, Director of the KDCA, stated, "Before traveling, confirm that you have completed two doses of the measles vaccine. If you have not completed two doses or are unsure of your vaccination status, you should complete two doses (at least four weeks apart) starting at least six weeks before departure." She added, "If you develop symptoms such as fever accompanied by cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or rash after traveling abroad, please visit a medical institution immediately, inform them of your travel history, and receive medical care."