Measles Alert: Cases Rise, Especially after Overseas Travel
Health officials are urging vigilance as measles cases are on the rise, especially among travelers returning from overseas. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) is advising individuals who develop fever or rash within three weeks of international travel to seek immediate medical attention while wearing a mask. This comes as measles outbreaks are being reported globally.
Key Symptoms and Transmission
- Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease spread thru the air.
- Primary symptoms include fever, rash, and the appearance of gray-white spots inside the mouth.
- The incubation period ranges from 7 to 21 days.
- Unprotected individuals exposed to the virus have a greater than 90% chance of infection.
Did you know? Measles can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
Vaccination: The Best Defense
While measles is highly contagious, it is indeed also preventable through vaccination. In South Korea, children typically receive two doses of the measles vaccine, first between 12 to 15 months of age and again between 4 to 6 years old.
Pro Tip: Check your vaccination records before traveling internationally. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, consult your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Treatment and Potential Complications
In most cases,measles resolves with supportive care,including rest,hydration,and proper nutrition. However, infants under 12 months and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia, otitis media (ear infection), and encephalitis (brain inflammation).
Travel advisory
The KCDC advises travelers to exercise caution when visiting regions with ongoing measles outbreaks, including Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and Cambodia.If travel to these areas is unavoidable, vaccination prior to departure is strongly recommended.
Rising Case Numbers
The KCDC reports a meaningful increase in measles cases. As of the 3rd of this month, 52 patients have been diagnosed with measles, a 1.3-fold increase compared to the 39 cases reported during the same period last year.
Of these cases, 69.2%(36 people) are infected overseas and have been confirmed after entering Korea.
Vietnam accounts for the majority of imported cases, with 33 individuals contracting the virus there. Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Italy each reported one case.
