With malaria cases expected to hit 500 by end of year, preventive measures crucial

Social Affairs

With malaria cases expected to hit 500 by end of year, preventive measures crucial

Published: 01 Aug. 2024, 15:46

A researcher sorts mosquitoes at the North Branch of Gyeonggi-Do Institute of Health and Environment in Suwon, Gyeonggi, on April 25. [NEWS1]

A surge in malaria-carrying mosquitoes due to extreme weather is expected to push malaria cases beyond 500 by the year's end, leading health authorities to underscore preventive measures.

A total of 387 cases of the mosquito-borne disease were confirmed from January to July, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). The greater Seoul area accounted for 86 percent, or 333, of them, with the highest number found in Gyeonggi with 209 cases, followed by Seoul with 67 and Incheon with 57.

Malaria alerts were issued last month for the Gangseo and Yancheon districts in western Seoul.

After five cases were reported in January and two in February, the number rose monthly to 10 in March, 17 in April, 75 in May, 121 in June and 157 in July. At this rate, over 100 cases are anticipated in August and September, pushing the total past 500 by the year’s end.

Officials responsible for malaria disinfection practice spraying pesticides at a neighborhood park in Gangseo District, western Seoul, following a quarantine education class on July 24. [NEWS1]

This increase is largely due to higher exposure to malaria-carrying mosquitoes, driven by increased outdoor activities during the summer holiday season.

In Korea, vivax malaria — transmitted to people by female anopheline mosquitoes infected with the vivax parasite — is most common. Symptoms include high fever, a loss of appetite, chills and flu-like symptoms, but it is less fatal than falciparum malaria found in tropical regions.

As there is no preventive vaccine available, adherence to preventive measures is crucial to combating the disease.

The KDCA advises pregnant individuals or children to avoid visiting regions with a high risk of exposure to malaria and minimize going out at night to the early morning when mosquito bites are most common. Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent are also recommended.

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

On June 18, the KDCA issued a nationwide malaria advisory.

BY HAN JEE-HYE, WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]