South Korea issues nationwide malaria alert

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has issued a nationwide malaria alert following the detection of Plasmodium vivax genetic material in Anopheles mosquitoes. The mosquitoes were collected in the northern regions of Paju and Yeoncheon County between July 27 and August 2.

Health officials warned that the presence of the parasite in vector mosquitoes increases the likelihood of contracting the disease through bites. While domestically acquired malaria cases have decreased by 43.4% compared to the same period last year, the risk areas have been expanding beyond the traditional concentration near the Demilitarized Zone.

The alert comes amid an unusually hot summer. Although extreme heat has kept mosquito density lower than last year, authorities warned that populations could rebound as temperatures fall. Local governments in high-risk areas have been urged to intensify control measures, and citizens are advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity at night.