Measles outbreak and response from December 2018 to May 2019

Shin Na-Ri, Choi Siwon, Jung Yeon Haw, Kim Hwami, Jung Chae-won, Om Jieun, Jung Hyungul, Kim Geonhun
Division of VPD control & NIP, Center for Infectious Disease Control, KCDC

From December 2018 to May 2019, the inflow of measles from abroad continued to occur in Korea. During this period, a total of 165 persons were identified as measles cases, 157 (95.2%) of which were classified as imported or import-related cases. These cases included 8 outbreaks (98 persons associated with outbreaks) and 67 sporadic cases. Measles outbreak occurred because of the spread of the measles virus through direct contact with infected individuals. Measles virus mainly transmitted to high-risk groups, including infants under 1 year of age and health-care workers in general hospitals. Since recognizing the first outbreak, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) has strengthened the surveillance system to prevent the spread of measles and has strived to promptly respond to the incidence. KCDC has also worked closely with relevant organizations and communicated with the public in the situations of measles outbreaks, to manage this infectious disease effectively. Currently, the domestic situation of measles is on the stabilizing trend. Nevertheless, measles is likely to continue to occur in Korea due to the ongoing global epidemics; thus, it is necessary to continuously maintain thorough surveillance and prompt response system, to raise the public awareness of diseases prevention and vaccination, and to enhance public-private collaboration.

Keywords: Measles, Outbreak, Sporadic cases, KCDC, Global epidemics, Surveillance, Vaccination