South Korea records 52 measles cases, highest in six years.

South Korea Reports Highest Measles Cases in 6 Years Amid Global Resurgence

Key Developments:

📌 52 Confirmed Cases in 2025 – The highest since 2019 (194 cases), surpassing 2024’s total of 49.
📌 Imported vs. Local Transmission – 34 cases linked to travel (notably Vietnam), 18 from local contact (households/clinics).
📌 WHO “Measles-Free” Status at Risk – South Korea was certified measles-free in 2014, but rising infections challenge this.

Why the Surge?

🔹 Post-Pandemic Travel Boom – Increased international movement reintroduces the virus.
🔹 Aging Population – Older adults with waning vaccine immunity are vulnerable.
🔹 Low Cases During COVID – Just 6 cases in 2020, zero in 2021–2022 due to lockdowns.

Health Officials’ Response:

✔ Stable Vaccination Rates – High immunization coverage (over 95% for children) limits outbreak risks.
✔ Enhanced Surveillance – KDCA monitors clusters and urges vigilance in hospitals/high-risk settings.
✔ Warning on Other Diseases – Tuberculosis and scabies cases also rising, signaling broader infectious disease trends.

Global Context:

🌍 Measles is resurging worldwide (Europe, U.S., Southeast Asia) due to:

• Vaccine hesitancy

• Pandemic-era missed immunizations

• Cross-border travel rebound

Public Advisory:

💉 Vaccination Critical – Authorities stress MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) shots to sustain herd immunity.
🏥 Early Symptom Reporting – Fever, rash, cough require prompt isolation/testing.

Bottom Line:

While South Korea’s strong healthcare system curbs large outbreaks, the spike underscores how globalized travel and immunity gaps threaten even well-prepared nations. Proactive vaccination remains the best defense.