Seoul warns mosquitoes may return as summer heat eases
Summary
Seoul warned on Tuesday that mosquitoes may stay active into the fall as temperatures ease, keeping the risk of mosquito-borne diseases alive. The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will intensify surveillance and prevention efforts through late autumn. The warning follows the KDCA’s detection of malaria parasite genetic material in mosquitoes from Paju and Yeoncheon and a nationwide malaria alert on Aug. 13. Seoul urged residents to use repellent, remove standing water and seek testing if symptoms appear after visiting malaria-risk areas.
Key Facts
- The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency detected malaria parasite genetic material in mosquitoes collected in Paju and Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, during the week of July 27 to Aug. 2.
- As of Aug. 1, Korea had recorded 201 malaria cases this year, down 43.4 percent from 355 cases in the same period last year.
- Of the 70 malaria cases reported in Seoul last year, 45 occurred from June through August and 13 were recorded in September and October.
- Seoul said it is using 55 digital mosquito monitoring devices to analyze mosquito activity daily and inform residents through its mosquito forecast system.
- The forecast is also available through the city’s health management app, Sonmok Doctor 9988, with four levels ranging from comfortable to unpleasant.
Public health officials conduct mosquito control work in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, Aug. 3. Yonhap
Seoul is warning residents not to let their guard down against mosquitoes as temperatures ease, saying the insects could remain active into the fall and continue posing a risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday that it will intensify mosquito surveillance and prevention efforts through late autumn as outdoor activity increases and cooler temperatures could revive mosquito populations after the summer heat.
The warning comes after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency detected genetic material from the malaria parasite in mosquitoes collected in Paju and Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, during the week of July 27 to Aug. 2.
The agency issued a nationwide malaria alert Aug. 13, while noting that mosquito numbers remained lower than last year amid the heat wave.
As of Aug. 1, Korea had recorded 201 malaria cases this year, down 43.4 percent from 355 cases during the same period last year, the agency said.
But cooler weather does not necessarily end the risk, with last year’s Seoul cases showing that transmission continued into the fall.
Of 70 malaria cases reported in Seoul last year, 45 occurred from June through August, while 13 were recorded in September and October.
Seoul said it is using 55 digital mosquito monitoring devices to analyze mosquito activity daily and provide residents with information through its mosquito forecast system.
The forecast is also available through the city’s health management app, Sonmok Doctor 9988, with four levels ranging from “comfortable” to “unpleasant” and guidance on preventive measures.
The city urged residents to cover exposed skin at night, use mosquito repellent and remove standing water around homes.
It also urged people who develop fever, chills or headaches after visiting areas with malaria risk to seek testing at a health center or medical institution.
Cho Young-chang, head of Seoul’s Citizen Health Bureau, said residents should continue taking precautions and seek prompt testing if they develop symptoms of malaria.
This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
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