Imported Mosquito-Borne Infectious Disease 'Dengue Fever'... Pohang City Strengthens Prevention and Management

Strengthened Dengue Fever Prevention Amid Increased Overseas Travel
Free Testing Available at Quarantine Stations for Suspected Cases Upon Entry

Pohang City has recently strengthened the prevention and management of mosquito-borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever, which are increasing worldwide due to climate change, especially during the long Lunar New Year holiday when mosquito bites imported from overseas are more likely.

Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus, shows symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, and muscle pain after an incubation period of 5 to 7 days.

The primary vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus, also inhabits South Korea, but so far, reported dengue fever cases have been among travelers infected in endemic countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Central and South America.

To prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases, it is recommended to ▲check infectious disease information by travel destination before traveling (Overseas Infectious Disease NOW website) ▲use preventive items such as mosquito repellents, light-colored long clothing, and mosquito nets ▲visit a medical institution promptly if suspicious symptoms occur within two weeks after visiting endemic countries.

Kim Jeong-im, director of Nam-gu Public Health Center, said, “This year, especially due to the long Lunar New Year holiday, overseas travelers have increased, and we are doing our best to prevent and manage imported dengue fever infections,” and urged, “If suspicious symptoms occur after returning, promptly visit a medical institution for treatment.”

Dengue Fever Prevention Guidelines.

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