South Korea has confirmed 52 measles cases in 2025, marking the highest number in six years, as global outbreaks of once-eliminated infectious diseases resurge.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the confirmed cases surpass last year's total of 49 and are the highest since 2019, when 194 cases were reported.
South Korea was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014.
However, the recent rise is attributed to factors such as increased international travel and an aging population.
Of the 52 cases, 34 were imported, largely from countries like Vietnam, while 18 were locally transmitted through contact with international travelers in households and medical facilities.
Despite the surge, health officials emphasize that the risk of rapid outbreaks remains low due to South Korea’s stable vaccination rates and robust monitoring system.
The KDCA also noted an increase in other diseases typically associated with less developed regions, such as tuberculosis and scabies.
The spike in measles cases follows a period of minimal infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, with just six cases in 2020 and none in 2021 or 2022. In 2023, there were eight cases.
Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations to maintain herd immunity.
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