Seoul City and Joint In-depth Malaria Epidemiological Investigation Scheduled
Seoul City issued a malaria alert at 9 a.m. on the 22nd for Gangseo-gu, where two malaria patients occurred as a cluster case. On the same day, the district conducted residual spraying and multi-surface space spraying within 500 meters of the patients' residences. Provided by Gangseo-gu.
Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon) announced on the 22nd that it sent safety text messages to residents to inform them of the malaria alert and began chemical control measures to prevent further spread of malaria. Seoul City issued a malaria alert at 9 a.m. on the same day in Gangseo-gu, where two malaria patients occurred as a cluster case.
A cluster case refers to when two or more patients show symptoms within 14 days in a malaria risk area and their residences are within 1 km of each other.
The malaria alert is issued to block community outbreaks when the first cluster case occurs after a nationwide malaria advisory is issued or when the average daily number of vector mosquitoes (TI) in a city, county, or district is 5.0 or higher for two consecutive weeks.
On the same day, the district conducted residual spraying and multi-surface space spraying within 500 meters of the patients’ residences. Chemical control will be intensively carried out twice a week for three weeks. Additionally, on the 24th, a joint in-depth epidemiological investigation will be conducted with Seoul City to identify the estimated infection areas of the cluster patients, mosquito habitats, and risk factors.
To prevent the spread of malaria, rapid diagnostic tests will be used to confirm additional infections and detect patients early. Any resident who has visited domestic or overseas malaria risk areas or has suspected malaria symptoms can receive a free rapid diagnostic test at public health centers. Furthermore, the risk of malaria and prevention guidelines are actively promoted through social networking services (SNS), management offices of local apartment complexes, and the Gangseo-gu Medical Association.
Meanwhile, early symptoms of malaria include headache, loss of appetite, chills, and high fever. In the case of Plasmodium vivax malaria, which is common in Korea, chills, fever, and sweating typically recur every 48 hours. To prevent malaria, it is important to avoid nighttime activities to prevent mosquito bites and to follow malaria prevention guidelines such as using mosquito repellents.
Mayor Jin Gyo-hoon said, “If you experience suspected malaria symptoms, please get tested promptly at a public health center or nearby medical institution,” and added, “We will do our best in control, prevention, and patient treatment to stop the spread of malaria.”
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