Gangbuk-gu Offers Free Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Malaria

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Soon-hee) will operate free rapid diagnostic testing for suspected malaria infections until December this year.

Malaria is a disease transmitted by mosquito bites, with symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches recurring in 48-hour cycles. Recently, a malaria alert was issued in Seoul, raising concerns among residents. In response, Gangbuk-gu is proactively implementing malaria prevention and eradication measures.

Any resident who has visited a malaria risk area and exhibits suspicious symptoms or suspects infection can receive a free rapid malaria diagnostic test at the Infection Control Room on the first floor of the Gangbuk-gu Public Health Center. If the rapid test result is positive, a confirmatory test will be requested from the Health and Environment Research Institute, and infected individuals will be guided to medical institutions capable of treating malaria.

Additionally, diagnostic kits have been distributed to 14 local medical institutions, including internal medicine and otolaryngology clinics, to facilitate rapid malaria testing, and patient diagnosis is being continuously monitored.

Meanwhile, to strengthen quarantine measures, automatic insect repellent sprayers have been installed in parks and multi-use facilities, insect-attracting insecticides have been set up along the Uicheon Stream, and focused disinfection is being conducted in vulnerable areas such as parks and residential neighborhoods.

Until November this year, residents can also borrow disinfection sprayers free of charge to conduct their own disinfection. Residents wishing to use this service can apply by visiting their local community service center.

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