This Year, the Issuance Timing Seems Advanced Due to Rising Temperatures in Jeju Region
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 22nd that it will issue a nationwide Japanese encephalitis advisory following the first confirmation this year of the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito, the 'small red house mosquito' (작은빨간집모기), in the Jeju Island area.
Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus show no symptoms. However, in rare cases, it can progress to fatal acute encephalitis, requiring caution. Last year, there were 7 reported cases of Japanese encephalitis in Korea, with 1 death.
The small red house mosquito is dark brown with no distinct patterns. It has a wide white band in the center of its proboscis and is about 4.5 mm in length. It begins to increase in southern regions such as Jeju, Busan, and Gyeongnam starting in June, is found nationwide, and is observed domestically until the end of October.
The Disease Control Agency stated, "It is recommended that children aged 12 months to 12 years receive vaccination," and added, "For adults, vaccination is recommended for those living in areas with frequent Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito activity such as near rice paddies and pig farms, or those planning to travel to countries where Japanese encephalitis is prevalent."
Meanwhile, the agency issues an advisory each year when the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito is first confirmed. The issuance dates were April 8, 2019; March 26 last year; and March 22 this year, showing a trend of earlier occurrences each year due to climate change. The agency estimates that the average temperature in Jeju this year rose by 1.34 degrees Celsius compared to the normal year, causing overwintering mosquitoes to become active earlier and thus advancing the timing of the Japanese encephalitis advisory issuance.
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