Province Issues Alert Following First Cluster Case in Paju City
Residents and Visitors in Paju Urged to Beware of Malaria Infection
Testing Recommended at Health Centers or Medical Institutions for Malaria Symptoms
On July 1, Gyeonggi Province issued this year's first malaria alert in Paju City.
A malaria alert is issued to prevent the spread of the disease within the community when the first cluster case occurs after a nationwide malaria advisory has been announced, or when the average daily number of vector mosquitoes remains at 5.0 or higher for two consecutive weeks in the same city, county, or district.
This measure was taken following the first cluster case in Paju City after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide malaria advisory on June 20. A cluster case is defined as two or more patients in a malaria risk area developing symptoms within a 14-day interval and living within 1 kilometer of each other.
The province plans to conduct an in-depth epidemiological investigation to identify the presumed infection area of the cluster case patients, mosquito breeding environments in the area, residential inspections, potential co-exposed individuals, and risk factors.
In Paju City, the authorities have implemented intensive publicity through the local medical and pharmaceutical associations, safety text messages, and media outlets to inform residents and visitors about the risk of infection for early detection of additional cases. In addition, active measures in response to the alert include focused mosquito control around patients and breeding sites, rapid diagnostic testing for early detection, and providing preventive medication.
Meanwhile, as of the end of June, a total of 192 domestic malaria cases have been reported this year according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's infectious disease portal. Of these, 109 cases were in Gyeonggi Province, accounting for approximately 56.8% of the nationwide total.
Yoo Youngcheol, Director of Health and Wellness at Gyeonggi Province, stated, "In malaria risk areas, vector mosquito control should be strengthened, and people should follow preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites. In particular, residents or visitors to risk areas should promptly get tested at a nearby public health center or medical institution if they develop suspected malaria symptoms."
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