South Korea: Elevated malaria activity reported in multiple areas, especially Gyeonggi, through August

Event

Health officials in South Korea reported elevated malaria activity in multiple areas, with 417 cases reported Jan. 1-July 29. This is more than 2.2 times higher than the 190 cases reported over a similar period in 2022. Gyeonggi (260 cases) is the most affected, followed by Incheon (63 cases), Seoul (52 cases), and Gangwon (16 cases). Local authorities in at-risk areas have implemented preventative measures, including operating mosquito traps and spraying pesticides. Health officials urge the public to wear long clothes, use mosquito repellents, and actively use mosquito nets when sleeping. This report represents the most complete information available as of Aug. 7.

Context

The risk of malaria infection is low in South Korea, and exists in rural areas of Incheon, Gangwon, and Gyeonggi provinces, including the demilitarized zone. South Korea reported roughly 420 malaria cases in 2022, 294 cases in 2021, 385 cases in 2020, and 559 cases in 2019.

Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of malaria most commonly include fever, chills, headaches and body aches, nausea and vomiting, and general malaise. Symptoms typically appear 7-30 days after being bitten; however, there are reports of symptoms appearing as late as one year afterward.

Advice

See a medical provider to discuss the need for anti-malarial medication before traveling to Panama. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within a month of being in affected areas; be sure to inform a healthcare provider of any travel to affected areas that occurred during the past 12 months.