South Korea reports a rise in domestic measles cases linked to overseas travel
Health authorities are urging travellers to get vaccinated after a spike in cases linked to trips to measles hotspots, including Vietnam, South Africa, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Italy, and Mongolia
With global measles cases still increasing, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has urged travellers to take precautions and get vaccinated, following a surge in domestic cases linked to travel to countries where the virus is prevalent.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as fever, cough, and a distinctive rash.
As of 9 August, KDCA data showed 68 confirmed measles cases since the government began closely monitoring outbreaks in December 2024 – an increase of more than 40% compared with the same period a year previously.
Of the 68 cases, 49 (72%) were contracted abroad and diagnosed after travellers returned to South Korea. The majority were linked to trips to Vietnam (42 cases), followed by three from South Africa and one each from Uzbekistan, Thailand, Italy, and Mongolia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Europe recorded its highest number of measles infections in 25 years in 2024, with cases continuing to rise in 2025.