Seoul gov't orders malaria alert for Gangseo District after two locally acquired cases reported

Social Affairs

Published: 22 Jul. 2024, 16:32

Seoul gov't orders malaria alert for Gangseo District after two locally acquired cases reported

Researchers sort mosquitoes at the Incheon Metropolitan City Institute of Health and Environment in Jung District, Incheon, on June 27. The first case of malaria of the season was reported in Incheon on the same day. [YONHAP]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government issued a malaria alert for Gangseo District on Monday following the reports of two locally acquired cases.

This marks the second malaria warning in Seoul after the first was issued for Yangcheon District, western Seoul, on July 9.

A malaria alert is issued when malaria-carrying mosquito clusters are observed after a nationwide malaria advisory, or when the average number of disease-carrying mosquitoes per day exceeds five for two consecutive weeks in specific areas, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

On June 18, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued a nationwide malaria advisory.

To combat the disease, Seoul plans to conduct an in-depth epidemiological investigation to identify the area where the patient was infected, trace exposed individuals and locate mosquito habitats.

Gangseo District will send text message alerts to prevent the spread and intensively control malaria-carrying mosquitoes while also offering rapid diagnostic tests to detect infected cases early.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal mosquito-borne disease that can result in high fever, loss of appetite, chills and flu-like symptoms. In Korea, vivax malaria is the most common type, presenting a 48-hour cycle of chills, high fever and sweating.

The disease does not spread directly from person to person but can be transmitted by mosquitoes that become infected after biting an infected person, perpetuating the cycle.

People exhibiting malaria symptoms can visit nearby health centers for a rapid diagnostic test, with results available within 30 minutes.

According to data from the KDCA, a total of 307 people have been reported to be infected with malaria this year as of Saturday. Of these, 58 cases have been reported in Seoul, accounting for 19 percent of the total.

The city government advises residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent and avoiding outdoor activities. Concentrated pest control is also to be conducted near the patients' residence.

Additionally, the city is set to conduct on-site practical training for quarantine personnel in high-risk areas for malaria starting Wednesday.

The city's high malaria risk areas include 13 districts in Seoul: Gangseo, Mapo, Eunpyeong, Jongno, Seongbuk, Gangbuk, Dobong, Nowon, Jungnang, Gwangjin, Gangdong, Yangcheon and Guro.

“With the health and safety of residents being our top priority, we are committed to disease control, prevention and patient treatment,” said Kim Tae-hee, head of the Citizens' Health Bureau, affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, advising people in high-risk areas who experience symptoms to visit nearby medical centers for testing.

BY WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]