South Korea has reported 52 confirmed measles cases so far in 2025, the highest number in six years, as global outbreaks of once-eliminated diseases make a comeback. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) revealed that the current tally has already surpassed last year’s total of 49 cases and is the highest since 2019.
The resurgence is largely driven by increased international travel and an aging population. Of the confirmed cases, 34 were imported—mainly from countries like Vietnam—while 18 were locally transmitted, mostly through close contact in households and healthcare settings.
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Despite the rise, officials maintain that the risk of widespread outbreaks remains low, thanks to South Korea’s strong vaccination coverage and vigilant disease monitoring system. Authorities also flagged rising cases of other infections such as tuberculosis and scabies.
Health officials continue to stress the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to safeguard herd immunity and prevent further spread of infectious diseases.
