Nationwide Malaria Alert Issued as Authorities Brace for Post-Heatwave Mosquito Surge

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced that it is issuing a nationwide malaria alert today (August 13).

The KDCA issues a nationwide alert when malaria parasites are detected in mosquitoes collected during routine monitoring of the population density of vector mosquitoes, specifically the Anopheles species that transmit malaria.

The parasites were detected in mosquitoes collected between July 27 and August 2, with Plasmodium vivax parasite genes identified in specimens gathered in Paju and Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province.

Previously, a malaria advisory was issued nationwide on June 22 as vector mosquitoes increased. Alerts had also been issued in five regions including Paju and Gimpo in Gyeonggi Province and Ganghwa in Incheon due to clustered cases and rising vector mosquito populations.

Currently, the density of vector mosquitoes remains lower than the previous year due to factors such as intense heat waves.

A total of 201 domestic malaria cases were reported from January to July of this year, representing a 43.4% decrease compared to 355 cases during the same period last year.

The Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria, is a medium-sized, predominantly black mosquito characterized by black and white spotted patterns on its wings and palps as long as its probosces.

The larvae inhabit the water surface horizontally in rice paddies, water channels, and puddles, while female mosquitoes during the spawning season primarily feed on the blood of cows, horses, and pigs at night.

While feeding active hours vary by season, they are most active generally from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-gwan stated, "As the density of vector mosquitoes could rise again following the heat waves, local governments in high-risk areas must strengthen comprehensive control measures to lower vector mosquito density." He added, "We urge residents and visitors in high-risk areas to refrain from outdoor activities at night, wear long, loose-fitting clothing, and actively use repellents and window screens to avoid mosquito bites."

(File Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.