The city of Gwangju has announced on the 19th that they are making every effort to prevent the spread of measles, following the occurrence of seven measles cases in the Honam region due to overseas inflow. According to Gwangju City, the seven measles patients in the Honam area include foreigners and infants who entered Korea after traveling to Southeast Asia (Vietnam).
Since measles is a highly contagious respiratory infection transmitted through coughing or sneezing, Gwangju is reinforcing its response system in collaboration with the Honam Regional Disease Response Center, five public health centers across the districts, the Gwangju Infectious Disease Management Support Group, and related organizations to prevent the spread within the community.
The city plans to strengthen prompt reporting of suspected cases, identification of contacts, symptom monitoring, and the promotion of measles prevention guidelines in connection with local medical institutions. They have also established a 24-hour emergency response system to swiftly handle reports of suspected cases, surveillance, testing, and epidemiological investigation, maintaining a continuous cooperative framework with relevant institutions.
Measles is a respiratory infection characterized by symptoms like fever, rash, and grayish spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots), and over 90% of individuals with insufficient immunity may become infected upon contact with a patient. However, it is preventable through vaccination, requiring two doses of the measles vaccine (MMR) at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age.
Infants under one year, who have vulnerable immune systems, are advised to avoid visiting countries with measles outbreaks due to the risk of severe complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and encephalitis if infected. In unavoidable circumstances, infants aged 6 to 12 months should receive accelerated measles vaccinations before travel.
Additionally, individuals notified as contacts by the health center must closely monitor their symptoms for 21 days (the incubation period) and limit external activities. Upon suspicion of having contracted measles, indicated by symptoms like fever, rash, cough, or runny nose, they should wear a mask, avoid public transport, minimize contact with others, and visit a medical facility. Before visiting, it is crucial to notify medical staff by phone about being a contact of a measles patient and follow their instructions for treatment.
Kang Yoon-seon, Head of Public Health and Medical Services, stated, “Although measles is highly contagious, it can be adequately prevented through proper response and vaccination,” urging that people report to health centers and adhere to contact protocols when symptoms arise to prevent further spread within the community.