[Measles Outbreak and Response Among International Students in Gyeongsangbuk-do Area (Gyeongsan-si) in 2024]

This report describes a large-scale measles outbreak that occurred in a university dormitory in Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, between April 6 and May 10, 2024. We analyzed the characteristics of confirmed patients, the outbreak pattern, and the central and local governments' responses. The outbreak, which was originated in a dormitory housing international students, resulted in 22 measles cases from April 6 to May 10. The first case was confirmed on April 6 after arriving from abroad on March 20. The patients exhibited one or more symptoms of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis. The key response strategies emphasized rapid containment to halt transmission, including cohort isolation within the dormitory and monitoring of symptomatic individuals. Communication challenges within the international students hindered verification of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccination history, underscoring the need for simultaneous assessment of susceptibility and vaccination to promote antibody formation and minimize transmission. Measures, such as verifying vaccination records upon entry and implementing post-arrival vaccination programs, are necessary to prevent future measles outbreaks among international students. Additionally, educating international students about infectious disease awareness and prevention measures is essential to enable swift responses to outbreaks.