South Korea reports highest number of measles cases in six years

South Korea has reported its highest number of measles cases since 2019, with the increase attributed to more travels abroad. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there have been 52 measles cases this year as of May 4, surpassing the 49 cases reported in all of 2024. In 2023, the country recorded just eight cases, while there were none in both 2021 and 2022. In the early 2000s, South Korea experienced major outbreaks of the disease, with over 55,000 cases from 2001 to 2002. However, constant eradication efforts resulted in a sharp drop in cases in the following years, leading to an official certification as a “measles free country” by the WHO in 2014. The country has maintained this status since then, following the strict requirements asked by the certification. There have been small-scale outbreaks, with cases mostly imported from abroad.
Of the 52 cases reported this year, 34 were infected overseas, while the remaining 18 got infected through direct contact with these overseas cases in households or medical institutions. A representative from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said that further cases are expected, due to the current spread of measles worldwide. However, the domestic vaccination rate and the surveillance system should prevent any serious outbreak in the country.