Malaria Patients Increased 3.3 Times Compared to Last Year... Health Authorities Urge "Follow Prevention Guidelines"

Beware of Mosquitoes [Photo by Yonhap News]

As malaria cases have surged recently, especially in regions such as Gyeonggi and Incheon, health authorities have urged compliance with infection prevention guidelines.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on the 15th, the total number of malaria patients this year (as of June 10) reached 173, a 3.3-fold increase compared to last year (53 cases). Among them, 137 cases, about 80%, were domestically acquired malaria. Epidemiological investigations revealed that the estimated infection areas for domestic malaria patients were in the order of Gyeonggi (Paju-si, Gimpo-si, Yeoncheon-gun), Incheon (Ganghwa-gun), and Gangwon (Cheorwon-gun).

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease transmitted when a mosquito infected with Plasmodium parasites bites a person. Most cases occur between April and October when mosquitoes are actively active. Domestic malaria occurs when bitten by the indigenous Plasmodium vivax malaria mosquito.

The KDCA has introduced a malaria cluster estimation case system and a provincial warning system this year to promptly block the spread of malaria domestically. Cluster estimation cases are conducted when two or more patients in a risk area develop symptoms within 30 days and their residences are within 1 km of each other. So far, a total of 10 cluster estimation cases have been identified, including 9 in Gyeonggi and 1 in Seoul, leading to the issuance of a ‘Malaria Warning’ on the 1st in Paju-si and Gimpo-si. When a malaria warning is issued, focused mosquito habitat control, free rapid diagnostic tests, and preventive medication (Primaquine) are provided to local residents.

Imported malaria is mainly contracted when visiting African regions where Plasmodium falciparum is prevalent. So far, 36 cases have been infected. Since falciparum malaria can progress to a severe condition upon infection, prompt treatment is necessary.

To prevent malaria, when going out at night, wear long sleeves and long pants, and apply mosquito repellent around the face to avoid mosquito bites. Health authorities recommend that anyone living in or returning from malaria risk areas who experiences symptoms such as fever, headache, or chills should immediately visit a medical institution for testing and treatment.

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