First Detection of Japanese Encephalitis Vector 'Small Red House Mosquito' in Seosan, Chungnam

Chungnam Institute of Health and Environment detects Japanese encephalitis vector mosquitoes earlier than last year
No virus detected; residents urged to follow prevention guidelines

Chungnam Provincial Government Office View

The first appearance this year of the 'small red house mosquito' (Culex tritaeniorhynchus), a known vector for Japanese encephalitis, has been reported in Seosan, Chungnam.

The Chungnam Institute of Health and Environment announced on July 4 that it had collected Japanese encephalitis vector mosquitoes in the Buseok-myeon area of Seosan City on July 1. This is about one week earlier than last year.

Fortunately, the Japanese encephalitis virus was not detected, so there is currently no risk of infectious disease transmission.

Most people bitten by mosquitoes infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus remain asymptomatic or experience only mild symptoms such as low-grade fever. However, in rare cases, the infection can progress to encephalitis, which may involve high fever, seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma, and the mortality rate can reach as high as 30%.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, there were 23 reported domestic cases of Japanese encephalitis in 2021, 11 in 2022, 17 in 2023, and 21 cases so far in 2024.

In Chungnam, there was one reported case last year, and no cases have been reported so far this year.

The institute, in cooperation with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, is conducting vector mosquito surveillance projects. It has also established its own mosquito-borne infectious disease monitoring system to continuously monitor the status of mosquito populations within the province.

Jung Geumhee, director of the Chungnam Institute of Health and Environment, emphasized, "Since there is no cure for Japanese encephalitis, prevention is most important," and urged, "At home, please use window screens and mosquito nets, and when going out, wear long sleeves and use mosquito repellent. Please strictly follow these basic preventive measures."