Nationwide 'Japanese Encephalitis Advisory Issued'... Ulsan Health and Environment Research Institute Strengthens Surveillance of Disease-Carrying Mosquitoes

Density Survey and Pathogen Confirmation Tests Twice Weekly Until November

Ulsan City Health and Environment Research Institute announced on the 23rd that, following the issuance of a Japanese encephalitis advisory nationwide, it will expand its surveillance project for disease-carrying mosquitoes until November.

Ulsan Institute of Health and Environment Research.

The disease-carrying mosquito surveillance project is an initiative aimed at preventing mosquito-borne diseases classified as Category 3 infectious diseases, including Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika virus, and West Nile fever.

The Health and Environment Research Institute has selected one livestock farm, one park, and one urban area to conduct mosquito density surveys twice a week and perform pathogen tests for five types (Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus, Zika virus, yellow fever virus, and dengue virus).

This year’s issuance of the Japanese encephalitis advisory came 19 days earlier than last year. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency estimates that this is due to the average highest temperatures in Jeju and Busan reaching 14.9℃, which is 2.5℃ higher than last year, accelerating mosquito activity.

To prevent Japanese encephalitis, it is important to avoid mosquito bites and get vaccinated.

In particular, households should use window screens or mosquito nets, and during outdoor activities, wear light-colored long clothing and use repellents to manage and prevent mosquito bites.

A representative from the Health and Environment Research Institute stated, “Due to climate change caused by global warming, the incidence of vector-borne diseases is increasing, and with overseas travel becoming freer after being restricted by COVID-19, vector-borne mosquito diseases are also expected to rise. Our institute will actively respond to prevent the regional spread of infectious diseases for the health of our citizens.”

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