Installation of Automatic Insect Repellent Dispensers at 20 Locations Including Bulamsan Eoullim Park and Nowon Healing Garden in Nowon-gu

To Prevent Mosquito- and Tick-Borne Febrile Infectious Diseases, 13 Additional Units Installed This Year at Major Rivers and Parks...Available at a Total of 20 Locations

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Nowon-gu (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it has expanded the installation of 'eco-friendly automatic insect repellent dispensers' for safe and pleasant outdoor activities.

This is to prevent febrile infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and others, which have become a concern as outdoor activities increase with the rapid progress of COVID-19 vaccinations.

In particular, the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) virus has been increasing every year since the first domestic case was reported in 2012. SFTS, transmitted through ticks, is accompanied by high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, and since there are often no treatments or vaccines, prevention is known to be the best measure.

After a pilot operation of insect repellent dispensers last year, the district received positive responses from residents and installed 13 additional units this year. Including the existing 7 locations (Bulamsan Eoullim Park vegetable garden, Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail vegetable garden, Nowon Healing Vegetable Garden, Hwarangdae Railroad Park), a total of 20 locations are now available.

New installation sites include popular spots among residents such as Bulamsan Healing Town (2 units), Yeongchuksan Barrier-Free Forest Trail (4 units), Choansan Neighborhood Park (1 unit), Jungnangcheon Stream (2 units), Danghyeoncheon Stream (2 units), and Uicheon Stream (2 units).

The automatic dispensers operate until November, and usage is simple. After pressing the automatic button, pull the dispenser’s handle, keep about 20cm distance, and press the handle to spray the repellent for 10 seconds. Spray on exposed skin and outer clothing, excluding the face.

The dispensers are solar-powered with built-in large-capacity batteries, allowing use for a certain time even without sunlight. Equipped with sensors and LED lights, they are convenient to use at night as well.

The district emphasized that the repellent used in the automatic dispensers is harmless to humans, having received a non-toxic rating from the World Health Organization (WHO) toxicity classification, but urged users to follow the precautions written on the dispenser before use.

Meanwhile, the district will pilot smart benches for residents’ convenient walks. The smart benches feature wired/wireless phone charging, security lighting, CCTV, emergency bells, and Wi-Fi. A total of 11 units will be installed at Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail, Yeongchuksan Healing Town, Bulamsan Healing Town, Danghyeoncheon Stream, and other locations.

District Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, “We installed these mainly in popular walking trails and streams frequently visited by residents,” adding, “We will continue to carefully attend to even small details so that residents can enjoy nature comfortably and without inconvenience.”