On July 16, Incheon City issued a malaria alert for Ganghwa County and launched an emergency response to prevent the spread of infection.
This measure follows the nationwide malaria advisory issued by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on June 20, and is a response to recent malaria cluster cases reported in Ganghwa County. A cluster case is defined as two patients developing symptoms within 14 days of each other and residing within 1 kilometer of each other in a malaria risk area.
The city has begun field epidemiological investigations, including surveys of mosquito habitats, inspections of residences, and identification of risk factors in the affected area. In addition, Ganghwa County has been instructed to carry out mosquito control operations in areas where cases have occurred, conduct rapid diagnostic tests for early detection, and promote malaria prevention awareness activities.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. After an incubation period of typically 7 to 30 days, symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear. A presumptive diagnosis can be made within 15 minutes using a rapid diagnostic test. The most common type in Korea, Plasmodium vivax malaria, can be completely cured with appropriate treatment, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
An official from Incheon City emphasized, "It is important to follow prevention guidelines to avoid mosquito bites," and urged, "If you experience symptoms such as fever or chills after outdoor activities, please get tested promptly at a nearby medical institution or public health center."
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