Gyeonggi Health and Environment Research Institute Issues Alert for Viral Infectious Diseases Such as Chickenpox and Measles

A researcher at the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment is conducting tests for viral infectious diseases such as chickenpox and measles. Photo by Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment

Gyeonggi Province has taken measures to prevent the spread of viral infectious diseases such as chickenpox ahead of the new school semester.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment Research urged caution regarding viral infectious diseases like chickenpox and measles, which can spread through group living environments during the March new semester.

Chickenpox is one of the infectious diseases with a high number of cases, with 5,505 cases occurring in Gyeonggi Province last year, accounting for 30% of the 18,519 cases nationwide.

Although there were no domestic measles cases reported from 2021 to 2022, caution is necessary as it is currently spreading worldwide. In January this year, a man in his 40s who returned from abroad was confirmed as the first imported measles patient in three years.

Chickenpox and measles are transmitted through respiratory secretions such as droplets and nasal mucus released when an infected person coughs. Since they are highly contagious, it is important to check children's vaccination records before the start of school and complete any missed vaccinations. Additionally, if symptoms such as rash or fever appear, immediate medical consultation at a nearby healthcare facility is necessary, and children should refrain from attending daycare or school during the infectious period.

An official from the Institute of Health and Environment Research stated, "Vaccination is highly effective against chickenpox and measles," and urged, "Daycares and schools must strictly adhere to personal hygiene and preventive measures to prevent infectious diseases."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.