"Watch Out for This Mosquito"...Japanese Encephalitis Vector Detected in Suwon

First Detection of Culex tritaeniorhynchus Mosquitoes in Suwon This Year; No Virus Found
Discovery Occurs One Week Later Than Usual

The first Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes, known as primary vectors of Japanese encephalitis, have been detected this year in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province.

On August 19, Suwon city officials announced the discovery of Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes, which transmit Japanese encephalitis, within the city. According to the Suwon Public Health Center, the detection was made as part of the “Mosquito-Borne Infectious Disease Surveillance Project.” Surveillance and mosquito collection at 10 locations across the city confirmed the presence of the species during the first week of August (August 2-8). This is about one week later than the historical average, which typically falls during the fifth week of July. No Japanese encephalitis virus was detected in the collected mosquitoes, confirming that there is no risk of disease transmission at this time.

Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes are distributed nationwide and are most frequently found during August and September. In Suwon, a small number of these mosquitoes are detected every year. Based on the nationwide surveillance of Japanese encephalitis vectors, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued a Japanese encephalitis alert across the country on June 18.

Most cases of Japanese encephalitis present with mild symptoms such as fever and headache. In rare cases, the disease may progress to encephalitis, resulting in severe symptoms such as high fever, seizures, convulsions, paralysis, and neurological complications. Anyone exhibiting such symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito should seek medical attention at a nearby healthcare facility.

An official from the Suwon Public Health Center stated, “We will continue rigorous mosquito surveillance and control efforts to prevent mosquito-borne infections. We urge citizens to follow preventive measures such as vaccination, using repellents during outdoor activities, and wearing long-sleeved clothing.”

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