A malaria-carrying mosquito known as ‘Anopheles spp.’ has been detected in Gangwon-do for the first time this year, prompting the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) to issue a nationwide “malaria alert” on the 19th. According to the KDCA, the infection of the Plasmodium vivax parasite was confirmed in mosquitoes collected in malaria-risk areas during the 31st week (July 27 – August 2).
Although the average daily number of mosquitoes carrying the parasite has decreased by 54.4% compared to the previous year, the mosquito density has increased since heavy rainfall during the 29th week. During the 31st week, the mosquito density increased by 46.9% compared to the same period in previous years and by 24.1% compared to the same period last year.
Following an alert warning issued on June 20 due to the increase in mosquito population, a total of eight regions have been placed under alert as of the 13th, due to cluster cases and an increase in mosquito numbers. As of the 13th of this year, there have been a total of 373 malaria patients in the country, marking an 18.8% decrease compared to the same period last year (443 patients). Malaria cluster cases occur when more than two patients show symptoms within 14 days and live within 1 km of each other in risk areas. A total of 16 such cases have occurred this year as of the 13th, which is a decrease from 22 cases in the same period last year.
By region, the cases occurred in Incheon (Ganghwa-gun 2 cases), and Gyeonggi Province (Paju-si 7 cases, Goyang-si Ilsandong-gu 2 cases, Goyang-si Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si Deogyang-gu, Gimpo-si, Yangju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun each 1 case). The malaria risk areas include 49 cities, counties, and districts in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi Province, and Gangwon Province.
The primary suspected infection routes include outdoor activities during the evening hours when mosquitoes are most active, such as smoking, walking, playing soccer, fishing, camping, or resting while sweating, as well as living or walking near lake parks and water puddles, which are conducive to mosquito breeding.
Lim Seung-gwan, head of the KDCA, stated, “As the parasite has been confirmed in malaria-carrying mosquitoes and the mosquito population is on the rise, the risk of patient occurrence has increased. Local governments in risk areas are urged to strengthen mosquito control, and residents and visitors in these areas should prevent mosquito bites by avoiding nighttime activities, wearing long clothing, using repellents, and actively using mosquito nets during sleep.” He further advised that if symptoms such as fever or chills appear, one should promptly visit a healthcare center or medical facility for quick testing.