Japanese Encephalitis Alert Issued 2 Weeks Early... "Minimize Skin Exposure Outdoors"

Rapid Increase in 'Jageunppalganjipmogi' Population During Hot Weather

The Japanese encephalitis alert was issued about two weeks earlier than last year.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 23rd that it has issued a nationwide Japanese encephalitis alert following the detection of a large number of 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus' mosquitoes, the vector of Japanese encephalitis, in the Busan area.

This year's Japanese encephalitis alert was issued approximately two weeks earlier than last year (August 5). According to the mosquito surveillance system, 90.4% (1,777 out of 1,965) of the mosquitoes collected in Busan on the 18th and 19th were identified as Culex tritaeniorhynchus, which transmits Japanese encephalitis.

The KDCA explained, "The alert issuance criteria are met when the average daily number of Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes collected twice a week exceeds 500 and they account for more than 50% of the total mosquitoes," adding, "The recent rise in temperature in Busan compared to last year is presumed to be the cause."

Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the mosquito that transmits Japanese encephalitis, is a small, dark brown mosquito that inhabits rice paddies, animal barns, puddles, and other areas, and primarily feeds at night. Generally, their numbers begin to increase in June in southern regions such as Jeju, Busan, and Gyeongnam, and they are observed throughout South Korea. The density of vector mosquitoes peaks from July to September and they can be observed until the end of October.

When bitten by a mosquito carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus, about 1 in 250 people (0.4%) develop clinical symptoms accompanied by fever. If it progresses to fatal acute encephalitis, approximately 30% of cases may result in death.

However, since there is an effective preventive vaccine, the KDCA advised that children born after January 1, 2009, should receive the vaccine according to the standard immunization schedule. Additionally, people living in high-risk areas with many vector mosquitoes, travelers to countries where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent, and adults without prior Japanese encephalitis vaccination are strongly recommended to get vaccinated to prevent infection.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases is to avoid being bitten. When engaging in outdoor activities, it is advisable to wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts to minimize skin exposure, and to wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Also, use mosquito repellents on exposed skin, clothing, and shoes, and avoid using strong perfumes or cosmetics that may attract mosquitoes during outdoor activities.

At home, maintain window screens and use mosquito nets treated with repellents inside tents when camping or sleeping outdoors. Remove standing water from puddles or blocked drainage around the house to prevent mosquito larvae habitats.

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