Infect Chemother.  2020 Mar;52(1):113-122. 10.3947/ic.2020.52.1.113.

Review of Measles in Korea: Quarantine and Elimination

• Kang JH

• KMID: 2507334
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2020.52.1.113

Abstract

Strong policies were established to maintain vaccination rate at ≥95% to expedite the eradication and elimination of measles outbreaks; nationwide survey of measles immunity to determine the susceptibility and the mandatory submission of second measles vaccination records when entering primary school. The measles control policies were also implemented to help achieve the goal of eliminating measles after the catch-up vaccination and they can be summarized as strategies for classifying measles patients based on their clinical symptoms while anticipating that weaker symptoms than those in typical cases would be seen; improving the operation of laboratories to world-class level for diagnosis of measles and identification of epidemiological circumstances for strengthen the detection of patients suspected of having measles; and immediate response through a rapid reporting system. With these efforts, Korea became the country to make the declaration of measles elimination by complying with all standards presented by the World Health Organization in 2006, re-verified in 2014. However, sporadic outbreaks of measles have repeatedly occurred even after the declaration of measles elimination. This indicates the need for continued control of imported cases and possible re-outbreaks. Also, it will be necessary to find and implement measures to continuously maintain the policy.

Keyword

Measles; Measles vaccine; Diseases eradication; Korea

Figure

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  Figure 1 Incidence of measles by year in South Korea (1963 – 2010).

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  Figure 2 Proportion of susceptible population and target population of catch-up vaccination by age.

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  Figure 3 2000-2001 measles pandemic and changes after catch-up vaccination.

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  Figure 4 Koplik spots.

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  Figure 5 Appearance of rashes in measles cases.

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  Figure 6 Appearance of simple rashes in measles cases.

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