As a global measles outbreak continues, South Korea, a 'measles-free country', is seeing its highest number of measles cases this year since 2019, with an increase attributed to more overseas travel.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there have been 52 reported cases of measles this year as of the 4th, surpassing the total of 49 cases reported in all of last year, and marking the highest level in six years since 2019 (annual total of 194 cases).
During the COVID-19 period, South Korea recorded 6 measles cases in 2020, while there were none in both 2021 and 2022, followed by 8 cases in 2023.
South Korea is a measles-free country certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). During the major measles outbreak from 2001 to 2002, there were over 55,000 cases, but due to the government’s intensive eradication efforts, the number of cases dropped sharply, leading to a measles-free declaration in 2006. The country has maintained its status since receiving certification as a measles-free country from the WHO in 2014, following strengthened certification criteria.
Despite the continued occurrence of small-scale cases, South Korea's status as a measles-free country is maintained because the majority of domestic cases are imported from abroad.
Of the 52 patients this year, 34 were infected overseas, while the remaining 18 were transmitted through contact with these overseas cases in households or medical institutions. Most imported cases are infections from Vietnam.
A representative from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted, 'As measles cases are increasing globally, the number of imported cases is expected to rise in the future,' but added, 'The domestic vaccination rate and surveillance systems are stable, so the likelihood of rapid spread is low.'