Goyang Special City recently urged citizens planning to travel abroad to complete the measles vaccination (MMR) amid the global measles epidemic. Measles is a highly contagious infectious disease that can be prevented by up to 97% with two doses of the vaccine.
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[Korean Today] Goyang City, “Measles vaccination required before overseas travel” © Reporter Seung-ju Ji |
Goyang Special City (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) recommended that citizens planning to travel abroad be fully vaccinated against measles, citing the case of two travelers who had visited Southeast Asia in December last year who tested positive for measles.
Current status of measles in Korea
All 49 measles patients in Korea in 2024 were confirmed to have been infected through overseas travel or contact with measles patients. Among them were infants under 1 year of age, and infants have a vulnerable immune system, so they are at high risk of developing fatal complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and encephalitis if infected with measles, so special care is required.
Characteristics and contagiousness of measles
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection that spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing. If infected, symptoms such as fever, rash, and gray-white spots in the mouth (Koplik’s spots) appear. In particular, if a person with insufficient measles immunity comes into contact with a patient, there is a more than 90% chance of infection.
It is fully preventable through vaccination.
Measles can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Measles vaccine (MMR) is recommended for two doses, at ages 12-15 months and 46 years, and has a 93% preventive effect with the first dose and 97% with the second dose.
Goyang City recommends that those without a previous vaccination record or whose vaccination status is uncertain complete two vaccinations at least 4 weeks apart 4-6 weeks before departure to prevent measles. In particular, vaccination is essential for those born after January 1, 1968, who have no history of measles infection and whose antibody test results have not been confirmed.
Precautions after traveling abroad
If you have symptoms such as fever and rash upon entering the country after traveling, you must report this to the quarantine officer. In addition, if you develop symptoms after returning home, you must wear a mask, refrain from using public transportation and visiting multi-use facilities, and be sure to inform the medical staff of your overseas travel history when visiting a medical institution.
Request from the health center
An official from Goyang City Health Center emphasized, “Most of the imported measles cases that occurred in Korea this year were cases where the person had not been vaccinated or their vaccination status could not be confirmed,” and “It is most important to complete two doses of the vaccine to prevent measles.”
He continued, “As overseas travel is expected to increase during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday and winter vacation, please check your vaccination status before traveling and complete it to prepare for a healthy and safe trip.”
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