Incheon Issues Malaria Alert in Ganghwa County... Launches Emergency Vector Control Response

Incheon City announced on July 15 that it issued a malaria alert on July 14 in Ganghwa County and has launched an emergency response to prevent the spread of infection.

This measure comes after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a nationwide malaria advisory on June 22. The recent increase in the number of Anopheles mosquitoes—the malaria vector species—in Ganghwa County, which has exceeded the reference threshold, is the reason for the alert.

A malaria alert is issued after an advisory when the first cluster case (two or more cases) occurs, or when the daily average number of vector mosquitoes exceeds 5.0 for two consecutive weeks within the same county or district, in order to block local community outbreaks. In the case of Ganghwa County, the daily average number of vector mosquitoes has exceeded 5.0 for two consecutive weeks since the fourth week of last month.

As of July 14, a total of 30 malaria cases have been reported in Incheon this year, which is a decrease of 44.4% compared to 54 cases during the same period last year. However, with the recent rise in the vector mosquito population, thorough management is urgently needed.

Malaria Prevention Guidelines. Provided by Incheon City

Malaria is transmitted through bites from female Anopheles mosquitoes and typically involves an incubation period of 7 to 30 days, after which symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

The city plans to expand rapid diagnostic kit testing to quickly identify asymptomatic carriers and patients, and to carry out intensive vector control operations focusing on mosquito breeding sites. In addition, malaria prevention guidelines—including avoiding outdoor activities at night, wearing long, light-colored clothing, and using mosquito repellents—will be actively promoted to citizens.

An Incheon City official stated, "It is most important to follow prevention guidelines to avoid mosquito bites," and urged, "If you develop symptoms such as fever or chills after outdoor activities, please visit a nearby medical institution or public health center promptly to get tested."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.