The City of Incheon (인천광역시) (Mayor Park Chan-dae (박찬대)) announced that it issued a malaria alert for Ganghwa-gun (강화군) on July 14 and has launched emergency measures to curb the spread of infection. The move follows a nationwide malaria advisory issued by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (질병관리청) on June 22, and comes as the population of Anopheles mosquitoes (얼룩날개모기류), the malaria-carrying vector, has been rising in Ganghwa-gun.
 [코리안투데이] Malaria Alert Issued for Ganghwa-gun (강화군) in Incheon (인천)…Emergency Disease Control Reinforced © 김현수 기자 |
Vector Mosquito Counts Exceed Threshold for Two Consecutive Weeks
A malaria alert is issued when a cluster outbreak (two or more cases) occurs after an advisory has been declared, or when the daily average number of vector mosquitoes in the same county or district exceeds 5.0 for two consecutive weeks.
Ganghwa-gun (강화군) was confirmed to have exceeded a daily average vector mosquito count of 5.0 for two consecutive weeks starting from the fourth week of last month.
 [코리안투데이] Malaria Alert Issued for Ganghwa-gun (강화군) in Incheon (인천)…Emergency Disease Control Reinforced © 김현수 기자 |
30 Malaria Cases in Incheon (인천) This Year — Down 44.4% from Last Year
As of July 14, Incheon (인천) has recorded 30 malaria cases this year, a 44.4% decrease from the 54 cases reported during the same period last year. However, continued monitoring is needed given the recent rise in vector mosquito populations.
Malaria is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito infected with the malaria parasite. After an incubation period averaging 7 to 30 days, symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches appear.
Rapid Diagnosis and Intensive Pest Control…Residents Urged to Avoid Outdoor Activity at Night
The City of Incheon (인천시) plans to expand rapid diagnostic kit testing to detect asymptomatic carriers and patients early, and to strengthen intensive pest control efforts focused on vector mosquito breeding grounds.
The city is also promoting preventive guidelines for residents, including avoiding outdoor activity at night, wearing light-colored long clothing, and using mosquito repellent. Shin Byung-chul (신병철), Director of the city’s Bureau of Health and Welfare, said, ‘When it comes to malaria, it is most important for individuals to practice preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites,’ and added, ‘If you experience suspicious symptoms such as fever or chills after outdoor activity, please visit a nearby medical institution or public health center for prompt testing.’
[ Reporter Kim Hyun-soo ] incheoneast@thekoreantoday.com
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