The incidence and epidemiological characteristics of measles in the Republic of Korea, 2016

Division VPD control and NIP, Center for Infectious Disease Control, CDC Eom Hye-eun, Kim Eunseong, Hong Sujin, Kong Insik

In 2016, 18 measles cases were identified among 336 suspected measles cases. Median age of case was 24.5 years old (range: 0 – 38 years old) and the proportion of female cases was 55.6% (n=10). 88.8% of cases (n=16) did not receive MMR vaccine or had unknown vaccination status. Eight cases were sporadic while 10 cases were related to the outbreak that defined two or more cases as temporarily related and epidemiologically or virologically linked, or both. The size of all outbreaks was two cases. In 2016, nine imported cases and nine import-related cases were identified. Isolated types of measles virus were identified (H1 and D8) and there was evidence that the cases of infection originated from a foreign country. Through epidemiological and virological analysis, all cases in 2016 identified their source of infection as related to importation. After achieving certification of elimination of measles in March 2014 from WHO, it is important to gather evidences on the epidemiological and virological aspects to in order to maintain the elimination status of South Korea.