Mosquito capable of carrying harmful Japanese virus discovered in Seoul for first time

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Mosquito capable of carrying harmful Japanese virus discovered in Seoul for first time

Published: 05 Aug. 2024, 11:53 Updated: 05 Aug. 2024, 13:15

An official places a mosquito collector in the woods in Seoul. [Seoul Metropolitan Government]

A mosquito capable of carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was found in Seoul for the first time this year, the city government's research institute said on Monday.

The Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment said a Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquito was detected in Seoul on July 26 during a survey of public areas such as parks and walking trails in the capital where residents often visit.

The Institute said JEV was not detected in the collected mosquito.

JEV is a flavivirus related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses, and is transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes of the Culex species, mainly Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

While most cases of JEV present mild symptoms like fever and headache, the disease can, in rare cases, progress to encephalitis, leading to severe symptoms such as high fever, seizures and neurological complications.

Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes are most commonly found in August and September and are known to be most active between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.

These mosquitoes fly nationwide and from 2022 to 2023 they have demonstrated a pattern of having a rising population in early July and decreasing in October.

The recent frequent rains and high temperatures in July drove the mosquito population, marking the start of their peak season, the research institute said.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government advises residents to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially in vacation spots and to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or headache.

On July 25, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued a nationwide warning for Japanese encephalitis, urging people to pay attention to mosquito bites during outdoor activities and to get vaccinated if eligible.

"People should use mosquito repellents during outdoor activities and install mosquito nets at home to prevent mosquito bites," said Park Joo-sung, head of the Seoul research institute.

BY WOO JI-WON, KIM EUN-BIN [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]