Malaria Alert for Soldiers in Border Areas: "Free Testing Even After Discharge"

Two Recently Discharged Veterans Infected After Serving in Border Areas

The Ministry of National Defense and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency have issued a warning as malaria cases continue to emerge among veterans who served in border areas.

According to the Ministry of National Defense and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 9th, more than 600 malaria cases have been reported domestically since 2023, with active-duty and veteran soldiers accounting for about 20% of these cases. This month, two soldiers who served in the border areas of Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, were infected with malaria after discharge.

Soldiers are known to be at high risk of malaria infection due to duties in border areas and nighttime outdoor training. Domestic malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes infected with parasites (Anopheles sinensis), and due to the characteristic long incubation period in the liver (several weeks up to two years) after being bitten, symptoms can develop even after discharge.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is conducting free rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) nationwide at public health centers for veterans showing suspected malaria symptoms such as fever, headache, and loss of appetite after discharge. The Ministry of National Defense is also providing free malaria diagnostic tests and prescriptions for treatment at 14 military hospitals nationwide for up to one year after discharge.

Ji Young-mi, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, urged, "Soldiers stationed in border areas should always apply insect repellent during the mosquito active season (April to October) and use mosquito nets during outdoor training and sleeping. If symptoms such as fever and chills appear after discharge, please visit the nearest public health center or military hospital to get tested for malaria without fail."