KDCA Issues Malaria Advisory

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued a malaria advisory on June 20 for Cheorwon-gun and Hwacheon-gun in Gangwon Province, as well as Paju-si in Gyeonggi Province, after the mosquito index exceeded the threshold in these areas. This was due to an increase in the population of Anopheles mosquitoes, which are vectors of malaria.

According to the KDCA, a malaria advisory is issued when three or more cities, counties, or districts report a mosquito index of 0.5 or higher. From June 8 to June 14, the number of Anopheles mosquitoes, the malaria vector, collected in malaria risk areas across the country exceeded the standard. The mosquito index refers to the average number of mosquitoes collected per mosquito trap per day.

The KDCA monitors the density of vector mosquitoes in 49 cities, counties, and districts designated as malaria risk areas across four regions: Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon.

As of June 14, there have been a total of 130 malaria cases reported this year, representing a 9.1% decrease compared to 143 cases during the same period last year.

Ji Youngmi, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "We expect the population of malaria vector mosquitoes to gradually increase before and after the monsoon season," and urged, "In malaria risk areas, please strengthen vector mosquito control and strictly follow mosquito bite prevention guidelines."

To prevent malaria, it is recommended to avoid outdoor activities during nighttime hours when mosquitoes are most active, and to wear light-colored long sleeves and long pants when going out at night. It is also important to maintain window screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering indoors.

If you experience symptoms such as fever after nighttime activities in malaria risk areas, it is advisable to get tested at a nearby public health center or medical facility.