Cheonan City announced on the 13th that, amid the recent worldwide measles outbreak, it thoroughly recommended that citizens preparing to travel abroad get vaccinated against measles.
Measles is a highly contagious acute febrile rash-like infectious disease that spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. It occurs mainly in children, and the main symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, spots inside the mouth, and an erythematous rash that starts behind the ears.
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[Korean Today] Cheonan City Measles Prevention Poster © Reporter Shin Gi-sun |
In particular, if a person with a weak immune system comes into contact with a measles patient, the probability of infection is over 90%, and if infected, serious aftereffects such as respiratory disease and central nervous system complications may occur.
Measles can be prevented by vaccination, with the first vaccination preventing 93% of infections and the second vaccination preventing 97%. Those born before January 1, 1968 are considered to have formed natural immunity and do not need vaccination. However, those born after 1968 who do not have a vaccination record or a history of measles must complete two vaccinations at least 4 weeks apart 4-6 weeks before departure.
Infants and preschool children should complete the first vaccination at 12 months and the second vaccination at 6 years of age according to the standard vaccination schedule, and caution is required when traveling to epidemic areas. In particular, infants and toddlers aged 6 to 12 months can receive accelerated vaccination according to a doctor’s prescription if visiting an epidemic area is unavoidable.
In Cheonan, measles vaccination is available at 66 contracted medical institutions in the area, and detailed information about the institutions can be found on the ‘Vaccination Assistant’ website.
Seobuk-gu Health Center Director Lee Hyeon-gi emphasized, “It is expected that many citizens will travel abroad during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday and winter vacation,” and added, “Please check whether you have been vaccinated against measles before traveling, and in the case of minors, please carefully follow the standard vaccination schedule. Adults should also check whether they have been vaccinated before making departure plans to ensure safe travel.”
Measles vaccination is an essential measure not only for personal health but also to prevent community infection, and checking vaccination status before traveling will be the first step to safe overseas travel.
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