First Discovery of Japanese Encephalitis Vector 'Small Red House Mosquito' in Gangwon This Year

Eliminate Larval Habitats (Standing Water) and Follow Mosquito Avoidance and Control Guidelines

Red house mosquito transmitting Japanese encephalitis [Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ra Young-cheol] The 'small red house mosquito,' a vector of Japanese encephalitis, has been detected for the first time this year in Gangwon Province.

The Gangwon Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 23rd, "One 'small red house mosquito,' which transmits Japanese encephalitis, was found among mosquitoes collected near Deoksan-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun last week."

This appearance is about five weeks later than the second week of June (week 24) last year.

The 'small red house mosquito,' which transmits Japanese encephalitis, is a small dark brown mosquito that inhabits rice paddies, animal barns, and puddles, and mainly feeds at night.

Most people bitten by this mosquito show no symptoms, but clinical symptoms appear in about one out of every 250 people, which can progress to fatal acute encephalitis, with 20-30% of those cases resulting in death.

The vector mosquitoes generally begin to increase in southern regions (Jeju, Busan, Gyeongnam, etc.) in June, with mosquito density rising nationwide from July to September and observed until the end of October.

Last year, seven Japanese encephalitis patients were reported nationwide, with one case in Gangwon Province. Although no Japanese encephalitis cases have occurred this year yet, special caution is required as the density of vector mosquitoes increases.

Kim Young-soo, director of the Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, urged, "Since there is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis, children aged 12 months to 12 years and adults living in areas with a high presence of Japanese encephalitis vector mosquitoes should get vaccinated," adding, "Attention should also be paid to environmental management, such as eliminating standing water around homes."

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