The Daejeon Institute of Health and Environment has issued a special warning to citizens after confirming the first 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus' mosquito, the vector for Japanese encephalitis, within the city this year.
Since April, the Institute of Health and Environment has been collecting and studying mosquitoes at five locations, including Hanbat Arboretum and Jungchon Neighborhood Park, to prepare for mosquito-borne infectious diseases. On August 7, 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus,' the Japanese encephalitis vector mosquito, was confirmed among the mosquitoes collected at Hanbat Arboretum. Genetic analysis has not detected the Japanese encephalitis virus as of yet.
Culex tritaeniorhynchus lives in wetlands such as rice paddies, livestock pens, and puddles, and mainly feeds at night. Its population density is known to peak nationwide in August and September and remain active until the end of October. In Wando-gun, South Jeolla Province, these mosquitoes accounted for 60.1% of all collected mosquitoes, leading to a nationwide Japanese encephalitis alert on August 1.
The institute emphasized that August to October is the most active period for mosquitoes and stressed the importance of following preventive measures in daily life to prevent Japanese encephalitis and other mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
During the mosquito season from April to October, wear light-colored, long clothing to minimize skin exposure when outdoors.
Additionally, use mosquito repellent on exposed skin, clothes, the tops of shoes, and socks, and avoid strong perfumes or cosmetics that can attract mosquitoes.
To prevent mosquitoes from entering indoors, check window screens and use mosquito nets if necessary. Stagnant water in puddles or blocked drains around the house should be removed regularly.
"The best way to prevent Japanese encephalitis is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes," said Jung Tae-young, director of the Institute of Health and Environment. "I hope all citizens will strictly follow the prevention guidelines and have a healthy summer."
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