Japanese Encephalitis Alert... "25% Fatality Rate if Symptoms Worsen After Mosquito Bite"

Sejong Public Health Center Stresses Importance of Vaccination
and Adherence to Preventive Guidelines

In response to the recent nationwide Japanese encephalitis alert, it is important to follow mosquito bite prevention guidelines and receive the recommended vaccinations.

Photographic graphic provided by Sejong City Public Health Center

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and local health authorities, this alert was issued after 60.1% of mosquitoes collected in the Jeonnam region were identified as Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the primary vector of Japanese encephalitis. The risk of Japanese encephalitis virus is increasing due to heightened mosquito activity, which is caused by rising temperatures and rainfall.

When infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus, mild symptoms such as fever and headache may appear. However, in rare cases, the infection can progress to encephalitis, leading to high fever, seizures, convulsions, and paralysis. About 25% of patients may die or experience various complications depending on the affected areas. Children under 12 years old (born on or after January 1, 2012), who are eligible for the national immunization program, can effectively prevent Japanese encephalitis by completing the vaccination according to the standard schedule.

In particular, adults aged 18 and over who have never received the Japanese encephalitis vaccine and live in high-risk areas such as rice paddies or pig farms, as well as long-term foreign residents and travelers to high-risk countries, are encouraged to receive paid vaccinations at nearby medical institutions.

To prevent Japanese encephalitis virus infection in advance, it is essential to avoid mosquito bites. Important preventive measures include: wearing long, light-colored clothing when going outside; using mosquito repellent; checking window screens; and eliminating standing water in places such as plant saucers, water containers, and discarded tires.

A public health center official stated, "Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases, and it is also very important to practice daily measures to avoid mosquito bites. Those eligible for vaccination should receive it according to the schedule, and everyone should follow mosquito bite prevention guidelines."