Stay Safe While Traveling: Measles, Vaccinations, and Health Tips You Need to Know💉

✈️ Stay Safe from Infectious Diseases While Traveling

Essential Vaccinations and High-Risk Areas to Know Before Your Trip

Recently, several travelers returning to Korea from Vietnam were diagnosed with measles, raising concerns about infectious diseases during international travel. With measles cases on the rise globally, it's more important than ever to be informed and prepared before heading abroad.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common travel-related diseases, regions with heightened risk, recommended pre-travel vaccinations, and what to do if you feel unwell after returning home.

---

🦠 Measles Is Making a Comeback Around the World

Measles is an extremely contagious viral infection that can lead to high fever, rash, coughing, and eye inflammation. It can be particularly dangerous for young children and older adults with weaker immune systems.
For more detailed information, refer to the WHO Measles Fact Sheet.

Countries currently experiencing measles outbreaks include:

• Vietnam
• Philippines
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Parts of China
• Several countries in Africa and Europe

✅ How to prevent it: Two doses of the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
✅ Who should be cautious: Adults with uncertain vaccination history and infants aged 6–12 months (eligible for accelerated vaccination before travel)

---

🌏 Other Infectious Diseases to Watch Out For

Disease	Transmission	High-Risk Regions	Prevention
Hepatitis A	Contaminated food/water	Southeast Asia, Latin America	2-dose vaccine
Typhoid Fever	Contaminated food/water	Southeast Asia, India, Africa	Vaccine
Malaria	Mosquito-borne	Africa, South Asia	Preventive pills, insect repellent
Dengue Fever	Mosquito-borne	Southeast Asia, Latin America	No vaccine, mosquito protection essential
Zika Virus	Mosquito-borne	Tropical regions	No vaccine, high caution for pregnant women

---

💉 Recommended Vaccinations Before Traveling

• ✅ MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• ✅ Hepatitis A
• ✅ Typhoid Fever
• ✅ Tetanus (booster every 10 years)
• ✅ Hepatitis B
• ✅ Seasonal Influenza
• ✅ Malaria prophylaxis (based on destination)

To find country-specific vaccine recommendations, visit the CDC Travelers' Health site.

---

🌿 Extra Travel Tips to Stay Safe

• Drink only bottled or boiled water
• Avoid street food and raw produce
• Wear long sleeves and use mosquito repellent
• Wash hands regularly with soap
• Avoid direct contact with animals

---

🏥 What to Do If You Feel Sick After Traveling

If you develop symptoms after returning from a trip abroad, don’t ignore them. Early action can prevent complications and protect others.

Common Symptoms to Watch For:

• Fever, rash, cough (→ Measles)
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting (→ Hepatitis A, Typhoid)
• Muscle pain, fever, joint aches (→ Dengue, Malaria)
• Red eyes, rash, headache (→ Zika)

Steps to Take:

1. Inform your doctor about your recent travel history
   → Specify the country and dates of your trip to help with accurate diagnosis.
2. Avoid going to work or school
   → Rest and reduce the risk of transmitting any potential infection to others.
3. Call your local health authority or hotline
   → In Korea, you can contact 1339 (KCDC Call Center) for 24/7 support.

---

🧳 Final Thoughts

Infectious diseases can quickly turn a dream vacation into a health nightmare.
Especially now, with measles and other illnesses resurfacing globally, prevention and awareness are your best travel companions.

Do your research, get the right vaccines, pack smart, and stay alert even after you return.
Here’s to a healthy, safe, and joyful journey!