Malaria Alert Issued Nationwide... Cumulative Patients 417

Protozoan Causing Infection in Mosquitoes Confirmed in Paju
KCDC: "9 Weeks Earlier Than Last Year"

The Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide malaria alert on the 3rd after malaria parasites were detected for the first time this year in vector mosquitoes collected from domestic malaria risk areas.

According to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the day, malaria parasite genes of Plasmodium vivax were identified in vector mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis group) collected from the Paju area in Gyeonggi Province between July 9 and 15.

Protozoa Confirmed in Vector Mosquitoes in Paju, Gyeonggi Province
[Photo by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency]

This is the first year that the quarantine authorities have introduced a malaria alert system.

As of July 29, the number of domestic malaria patients was 417, which is 2.2 times higher than 190 patients during the same period last year. Also, the time when malaria parasites were detected is 9 weeks earlier than last year and 4 weeks earlier than in 2021.

Paju City, where positive mosquitoes were confirmed, is known to have the highest density among malaria vector mosquito surveillance areas.

By region, patients occurred in the order of Gyeonggi (62.4%), Incheon (15.1%), Seoul (12.5%), and Gangwon (3.8%). According to epidemiological investigations, the estimated infection areas are Gyeonggi (Paju-si, Gimpo-si, Yeoncheon-gun), Incheon (Ganghwa-gun), and Gangwon (Cheorwon-gun) in that order.

The main symptoms of malaria include chills, high fever, and sweating, which repeat in 48-hour cycles. In the early stages, symptoms may persist and be accompanied by headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. If symptoms occur, it is necessary to promptly visit a nearby medical institution for testing.

The Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged residents of malaria risk areas and travelers during the vacation season to follow preventive measures. Remove water puddles around the house where larvae can breed, and take a shower after sweating from exercise. The agency also recommended checking indoor window screens and wearing long clothes and using insect repellents during nighttime activities.