Most Cases Contracted Overseas, Including Vietnam
Measles Highly Contagious Due to Airborne Transmission
As measles outbreaks continue worldwide, the number of measles cases reported in South Korea?a country certified as having eliminated measles?has reached its highest level in six years since 2019. Most of the cases have been contracted overseas, including in Vietnam.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on May 4, a total of 52 measles cases had been reported as of May 1 this year. This exceeds the 49 cases reported throughout all of last year and marks the highest annual total since 2019, when there were 194 cases. Measles is caused by infection with the measles virus and is highly contagious. It is mainly transmitted through the air via coughing or sneezing, and more than 90% of susceptible individuals who come into contact with the virus develop the disease. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, conjunctivitis, erythematous spots, and papules. Once a person recovers from measles, they acquire lifelong immunity and will not contract the disease again.
South Korea is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a country that has eliminated measles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 6 cases in 2020, 0 cases in both 2021 and 2022, and 8 cases in 2023. During the large-scale measles outbreak in 2001-2002, there were about 55,000 cases, but thanks to intensive government eradication efforts, the number of cases dropped sharply, leading to the declaration of measles elimination in 2006. In 2014, South Korea received official measles elimination status under the WHO’s strengthened certification criteria and has maintained this status to date.
Despite the continued occurrence of small numbers of cases, South Korea has maintained its measles elimination status because most domestic cases are imported from overseas. Of the 52 cases reported this year, 34 were contracted abroad and brought into the country, while the remaining 18 cases were transmitted domestically, either in households or medical institutions, from these imported cases. The majority of imported cases originated in Vietnam.
A KDCA official stated, "With measles cases increasing worldwide, the number of imported cases is expected to rise further," adding, "However, as domestic vaccination rates and surveillance systems remain stable, the likelihood of rapid spread is low."
Meanwhile, health authorities have advised the public to refrain from visiting countries experiencing measles outbreaks, including Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and the Philippines. If travel to these countries is unavoidable, individuals should check their measles (MMR) vaccination status before departure and receive the vaccine if they have not been previously immunized. During travel, it is important to adhere strictly to personal hygiene practices such as handwashing and cough etiquette, and to avoid contact with individuals who show suspected measles symptoms such as fever or rash. If symptoms such as fever, rash, cough, runny nose, or conjunctivitis develop after returning from overseas, travelers should report their health status to quarantine officers at the airport and seek immediate medical attention.
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