Goyang City "If Preparing for Overseas Travel, Be Sure to Get the Measles Vaccine"

Goyang Special City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Lee Dong-hwan) has issued a warning for those planning overseas travel following the confirmation of two measles cases in travelers who visited Southeast Asia last December, amid a global measles outbreak.

Overseas Travel Measles Prevention Guidelines. Provided by Goyang Special City.

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In 2024, a total of 49 measles cases have been reported domestically, all of which were infected either after traveling abroad or through contact with infected individuals.

Notably, among these cases was an infant under one year old who traveled overseas with their parents. Since infants have vulnerable immune systems, contracting measles can lead to complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and encephalitis, making it crucial to prevent infection.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection transmitted through coughing or sneezing, characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and Koplik spots inside the mouth.

More than 90% of people with insufficient immunity to measles can become infected upon contact with a patient. However, since measles is preventable through vaccination, it is essential to receive two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) at 12-15 months and again at 4-6 years of age.

The first dose provides 93% protection, and the second dose increases protection to 97%.

Additionally, if symptoms such as fever or rash appear upon returning from travel, travelers should report to quarantine officers. If symptoms develop after arriving at their residence, they should wear a mask, avoid public transportation and crowded places to minimize contact, and visit a medical facility promptly to inform healthcare providers of their recent overseas travel.

A public health official emphasized, "Most of the imported measles cases this year involved individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Therefore, completing two doses of the measles vaccine is the most important measure for prevention."

They added, "As overseas travel is expected to increase during the upcoming Lunar New Year holidays and winter vacation, travelers should verify that they have received both doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) before traveling. If they have not completed the two doses or are unsure of their vaccination status (no evidence of immunity), it is recommended to complete the two-dose vaccination (with at least a 4-week interval) 4-6 weeks prior to departure."

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