First Discovery of 'Jageunppalganjip Mosquito' in Jeonbuk This Year

Vaccination Recommendations... Minimize Skin Exposure During Outdoor Activities

In the Jeonbuk region, the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito, 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus,' was discovered about three weeks earlier than last year, requiring caution.

The Jeonbuk Institute of Health and Environment Research (Director Kim Ho-ju, hereafter referred to as the Institute) announced on the 30th that it detected the first 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus' of this year on the 28th while conducting a surveillance project at the Climate Change Hub Center in collaboration with Wonkwang Health University.

Little Red House Mosquito

The 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus,' which transmits Japanese encephalitis, is a small dark brown mosquito inhabiting rice paddies, animal barns, and puddles. It begins to increase mainly in the southern regions from June and is observed throughout South Korea.

Infection with Japanese encephalitis usually causes mild symptoms such as fever and headache, but when the virus spreads to the brain, severe symptoms such as high fever, seizures, neck stiffness, confusion, convulsions, and paralysis may occur. Among these cases, 20-30% can result in death, indicating a poor prognosis. Vaccination is especially recommended for infants, young children, and high-risk groups for Japanese encephalitis.

Earlier, Japanese encephalitis vector mosquitoes were confirmed in Jeju and Busan, leading the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to issue a 'Japanese Encephalitis Advisory' on March 23.

Kim Ho-ju, Director of the Jeonbuk Institute of Health and Environment Research, urged, "Japanese encephalitis is preventable through vaccination, so we recommend getting vaccinated." He added, "Since it is a disease transmitted by vector mosquitoes, caution is necessary, including the use of mosquito repellents and minimizing skin exposure."

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