Korea reports 52 cases of measles

This undated photo shows a sign on how to prevent measles. Yonhap

Korea has confirmed 52 cases of measles so far this year, the health authorities said Sunday, marking the nation's highest confirmed cases in six years amid a global resurgence of infectious diseases once deemed to be eradicated.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), a total of 52 such cases were reported in the country this year as of Thursday, exceeding last year's total of 49 cases and marking the highest figure since 2019, when 194 cases were confirmed.

Korea was recognized as a measles-free country by the World Health Organization in 2014, but the number of cases appears to have increased this year amid increased overseas travel and the aging population.

Of the 52 cases, 34 came from abroad — primarily from Vietnam — while the remaining 18 were transmitted domestically at home or medical facilities through international travelers.

"The global increase in measles is likely to result in more imported cases," a KDCA official said. "The risk of rapid outbreaks remains low because of our stable vaccination rates and monitoring system."

Officials said other diseases typically associated with less developed countries, such as tuberculosis and scabies, are also showing an upward trend.