Recently, with the weather being warmer than usual, Japanese encephalitis vector mosquitoes are appearing earlier. Accordingly, quarantine authorities are urging people to get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis and to use mosquito repellents during outdoor activities to avoid mosquito bites.
Japanese encephalitis mosquito
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 25th, the 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus,' a mosquito that transmits Japanese encephalitis, was first detected this year in Jeju and Busan between the 21st and 22nd. In response, the authorities issued a Japanese encephalitis advisory nationwide on the 23rd, which is 19 days earlier than last year (April 11). This is because mosquito activity has accelerated due to the recent early summer weather. The average temperature in Jeju and Busan from mid-last month to mid-this month was 10°C, 1.9°C higher than last year. The average maximum temperature also rose to 14.9°C, 2.5°C higher than last year.
The Culex tritaeniorhynchus is a small, dark brown mosquito that inhabits rice paddies, animal barns, and puddles. It usually increases from June in southern regions and is observed nationwide in Korea until the end of October, with especially high numbers from July to September.
If bitten by this mosquito and infected with Japanese encephalitis, most people experience mild symptoms such as fever and headache. However, in about 1 in 250 infected individuals, the virus spreads to the brain, causing severe symptoms such as high fever, seizures, neck stiffness, confusion, convulsions, and paralysis, with 20-30% of these cases resulting in death. Even after recovery, 30-50% of patients suffer from various neurological complications depending on the affected areas. Complications such as cognitive impairment, paralysis and motor disorders, speech disorders, seizures, and mental disorders are known to occur.
Fortunately, an effective vaccine for Japanese encephalitis has been developed. The national immunization program, which provides free vaccinations, covers those born on or after January 1, 2010. The authorities emphasized, "Above all, avoiding mosquito bites is crucial, so during outdoor activities, people should minimize skin exposure and follow mosquito bite prevention guidelines such as using mosquito repellents," they urged.
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