Nationwide 'Malaria Alert'... Seek Medical Treatment if Bitten by Mosquitoes and Experiencing Chills or Headache

349 Infection Cases This Year... "Refrain from Nighttime Outdoor Activities"

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 7th that it has issued a nationwide malaria alert following the detection of Plasmodium parasites in malaria vector mosquitoes. The confirmation of parasites in the vector mosquitoes means that the likelihood of malaria infection from mosquito bites has increased.

Under the '2nd Malaria Re-eradication Action Plan (2024-2028),' the KDCA has been investigating Plasmodium parasites in vector mosquitoes in high-risk areas, and this year, parasites were detected in vector mosquitoes collected in Paju-si during the 31st week (July 30).

Previously, due to cluster cases and an increase in vector mosquito populations, malaria alerts were issued in nine regions including Yangcheon and Gangseo districts in Seoul, Yeonsu district and Ganghwa-gun in Incheon, and Paju, Gimpo, and Goyang cities in Gyeonggi Province. With the recent confirmation of malaria parasites, a nationwide malaria alert has now been issued. However, the total number of malaria patients this year up to the 27th of last month is 349, which is a 16.9% decrease compared to the same period last year (450 patients).

Malaria is mainly transmitted when people are bitten by mosquitoes outdoors in the evening when mosquitoes are most active, especially while resting in a sweaty state. Walking near lakes, parks, or puddles where vector mosquitoes easily breed and develop also increases the risk of mosquito bites. When bitten by a female Anopheles mosquito infected with malaria parasites, the parasites travel through the liver into the bloodstream, invade red blood cells, and multiply, causing malaria.

Typical symptoms of malaria include chills, headaches, nausea, and sweating. If malaria symptoms are suspected, immediate medical attention and treatment are necessary. Without proper treatment, malaria can relapse, so it is important to complete the full course of prescribed medication.

To prevent malaria, outdoor activities should be avoided at night from April to October when mosquitoes are most active. If going out at night, the KDCA recommends wearing bright-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants and applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin.