First Japanese Encephalitis Vector Mosquito Confirmed in Jeonnam This Year

[Muan=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province has urged compliance with preventive measures as the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito was confirmed locally for the first time this year.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment (Director Jeon Dooyoung) on the 17th, the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito, the 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus' (small red house mosquito), was found in the Wando area on the 15th.

In April, the small red house mosquito was first confirmed in Busan, leading to a nationwide Japanese encephalitis advisory being issued.

The small red house mosquito inhabits rice paddies, animal barns' puddles, drainage ditches, and is mainly active at night, aggressively feeding on humans and poultry for egg-laying.

Infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, and in children, seizures may occur. The fatality rate reaches 20-30%, and even after recovery, neurological and psychiatric problems may remain.

The best prevention against Japanese encephalitis is to avoid mosquito bites. When engaging in outdoor activities, it is important to wear long pants and long-sleeved clothing to minimize skin exposure and to refrain from using strong perfumes or cosmetics that attract mosquitoes.

The Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment issues Japanese encephalitis advisories and warnings annually through epidemic prediction surveys and strives to prevent patient occurrences by monitoring the timing and trends of vector mosquito outbreaks.

Last year, 51,475 mosquitoes were collected, among which 2,956 were small red house mosquitoes, accounting for 5.7% of the total.

Im Hyuncheol, Head of Infectious Disease Investigation Division 1 at the Jeonnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, said, “Due to climate change, the breeding and growth of vector mosquitoes are becoming more active, so children and those planning to travel to countries where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent must get vaccinated.” He added, “Please follow preventive measures such as using repellents and minimizing skin exposure during outdoor activities.”

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