"AI Provides Real-Time Updates on Which Mosquito It Caught," Disease Control Agency Develops Equipment

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 30th that it has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automatic mosquito classification device to accurately identify infectious disease vector mosquitoes and proactively utilize it for control measures.

Typical Mosquito Occurrence Monitoring Method

Until now, there were limitations in using mosquito traps for control because it took at least several days to classify the mosquitoes after collection. This is because classification work, which requires a person to visually inspect or use a microscope to distinguish the species of collected mosquitoes, was essential.

The newly developed automatic mosquito classification device captures images of mosquitoes attracted and trapped by carbon dioxide on-site, and the captured mosquito images are classified using AI algorithm technology. It can provide information in various formats, such as the occurrence status of mosquito species by collection area, location, and month.

A KDCA official explained, "It was developed for on-site use for the first time in the world and showed a classification accuracy of 94.7% for major domestic infectious disease vector mosquitoes, including Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti, Culex pipiens, Anopheles sinensis, and Ochlerotatus koreicus."

With the introduction of this automatic mosquito classification device, it is expected to be able to classify mosquitoes collected daily and provide occurrence numbers. Starting in September, the KDCA will pilot the developed device with some local governments and plans to expand its operation so that it can be actively used nationwide in the future.

Director Jeong Yeong-mi of the KDCA emphasized, "Through the newly developed automatic mosquito classification monitoring device, it will be possible to collect accurate mosquito occurrence information, enabling proactive and immediate control measures, minimizing the use of insecticides, and reducing disease outbreaks caused by vector mosquitoes."

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