Seongbuk-gu Takes Proactive Measures Against "Seoul Malaria Alert"

Rapid Malaria Diagnostic Testing at Health Centers
Joint Public-Private Vector Mosquito Control
Related Agencies Form 'Seongbuk-gu Malaria Eradication Task Force'

Seongbuk-gu is taking proactive measures following Seoul's first malaria alert. On the 5th, Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu (center in yellow jumper), and the resident autonomous quarantine team took a commemorative photo before the public-private joint quarantine activities. Provided by Seongbuk-gu.

Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) announced on the 10th that it has taken proactive measures following Seoul City's issuance of a malaria alert in Yangcheon-gu the previous day.

Seongbuk-gu is conducting rapid malaria diagnostic tests through the Seongbuk-gu Public Health Center. Any residents who have visited domestic or overseas malaria risk areas or who exhibit suspected malaria symptoms can receive testing.

Proactive mosquito control measures are also underway to focus on vector mosquitoes. In addition to public-private joint disinfection efforts carried out with the resident autonomous disinfection team, various projects are being implemented that enable residents to remove mosquito habitats around their homes, such as community self-cleaning campaigns and neighborhood disinfection operations.

A “Seongbuk-gu Malaria Eradication Task Force” has also been formed in collaboration with related organizations. Since its launch ceremony last month, regular meetings have been held to coordinate responses and cooperation among related agencies to block and eradicate malaria transmission within the region.

Furthermore, 247 insect-attracting mosquito traps and 21 insect repellent boxes have been installed and are being operated in vulnerable areas for mosquito habitation and frequent community use, such as rivers and parks.

To raise residents’ awareness of malaria, the district utilizes social networking services (SNS) operated by the district, including the official website and blog, to provide prevention guidelines. At local festivals and events, promotional materials such as repellents and leaflets about malaria are distributed to strengthen prevention efforts.

In addition to rapid epidemiological investigations, testing of confirmed cases and co-exposed individuals, sending prevention and management guideline text messages, and medication checks, mosquito control around residences is conducted twice a week for three weeks.

Seongbuk-gu emphasized the need for resident cooperation, stating, “If you visit malaria risk areas or experience suspicious symptoms such as chills, fever, or sweating, promptly get tested at a public health center or medical institution. Remove stagnant water and weeds around your home where mosquito larvae can breed, maintain window screens, and use repellents when going outside to follow prevention guidelines.”

Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, said, “We are doing our best to protect the safety and health of Seongbuk residents through a higher and more thorough malaria response than before. Please do not be unnecessarily anxious but check for mosquito habitats around your home and adhere to prevention guidelines.”

Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide malaria advisory on the 18th of last month. This year’s malaria risk areas include 53 cities, counties, and districts in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do, and Gangwon-do. In Seoul, the 13 autonomous districts are Gangdong-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Gangseo-gu, Gwangjin-gu, Guro-gu, Nowon-gu, Dobong-gu, Mapo-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, Jongno-gu, and Jungnang-gu.

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