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One Additional Imported Measles Case Confirmed in Busan This Year — City Ramps Up Containment Efforts

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The Busan Metropolitan Government (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that one new measles case was confirmed on April 29. The city is currently conducting an epidemiological investigation into the patient’s recent movements and contacts, and has activated an emergency response system to monitor for additional cases.

• ●The patient is a Busan resident in their 20s and is currently undergoing isolation and treatment. They have recently traveled abroad, including to Vietnam.

• ●This brings the city’s total measles cases to two this year—following two cases in 2024.

With the emergency response system in place:

• ●The city and its district offices are identifying close contacts and monitoring for symptoms. Individuals with signs such as fever or rash are referred to the Busan Institute of Health and Environment for testing.

• ●Medical institutions are required to promptly report suspected cases to local health centers when patients with recent travel history to measles-affected countries present symptoms.

• ●The city also maintains hotline communication with local health centers for rapid information sharing and continues to monitor for suspected cases in neighboring areas.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), there were 49 measles cases nationwide in 2024, and another 49 cases confirmed from January to April 26 of this year—all involving overseas travel or transmission through contact with imported cases.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Symptoms typically include fever, a full-body rash, and oral lesions known as Koplik spots.

If you are planning to travel abroad and do not have confirmed measles immunity or vaccination history, it is recommended to receive two doses of the MMR vaccine at least 4 weeks apart, starting 4–6 weeks prior to departure.

• ●Infants between 6 and 12 months, who are especially vulnerable, should avoid traveling to countries with active measles outbreaks. If travel is unavoidable, accelerated vaccination is advised, allowing sufficient time (typically two weeks) for immunity to develop before departure.

Lee So-ra, Director General of the Busan Citizen Health Bureau, stated,

“The city will maintain full readiness and monitor closely for any additional cases while doing everything possible to prevent further spread.”
She also urged, “Citizens planning overseas travel should check their vaccination status, practice proper handwashing, wear masks, and maintain personal hygiene.”

In addition, the city advises anyone returning from overseas who develops symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, or rash to immediately visit a medical institution, report their travel history, and undergo appropriate examination.

Medical facilities are also urged to actively report such cases to local health authorities for testing and management.