Gimpo Issues 'Malaria Alert' on August 3... Second in the Province After Paju

On August 3, Gyeonggi Province issued its second malaria alert of the year in Gimpo, following an earlier alert in Paju.

A malaria alert is issued to prevent the spread of the disease within local communities if the first cluster of cases occurs after a national malaria advisory has been issued, or if the average daily number of vector mosquitoes in a district remains at 5.0 or higher for two consecutive weeks.

This latest alert is due to the first cluster case being detected in Gimpo, following the nationwide malaria advisory from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on June 22. A cluster case refers to two or more patients who develop symptoms within 14 days of each other and reside within 1 kilometer of each other in a malaria risk area.

In Gyeonggi Province, the first malaria alert of the year was previously issued in Paju on July 9. The provincial government plans to conduct an in-depth epidemiological investigation to identify the presumptive infection sites for cluster cases, mosquito habitats in these areas, and to inspect the residential surroundings, jointly exposed individuals, and other risk factors.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

In Gimpo, to facilitate early detection of additional cases, concentrated public announcements will be made through the local medical and pharmaceutical associations, safety text messages, and media outlets, advising both residents and visitors about the risk of infection. Additionally, the authorities are actively implementing alert measures, including intensive mosquito control measures in and around patient areas and mosquito breeding sites, rapid diagnostic testing for early detection, and the provision of preventive medication.

According to the Infectious Disease Portal (dportal.kdca.go.kr) of the KDCA, a total of 230 malaria cases had been reported as of August 3. Of these, 124 cases (approximately 53.9% of the national total) were reported in Gyeonggi Province.

Yoo Youngcheol, Director of Health and Wellness at Gyeonggi Province, said, "In malaria risk areas, mosquito control should be strengthened, and everyone should adhere to preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites." He also urged, "If you live in or visit a risk area and develop symptoms suggestive of malaria, please get tested promptly at a nearby public health center or medical facility."

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