South Korea mosquito activity doubles following heatwave decline

Mosquito activity in South Korea has nearly doubled in a single week following a decrease in extreme heat. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the mosquito index reached 100.9 individuals during the 35th week of monitoring (August 24–29), up from 53.0 the previous week.

This marks the first time the mosquito index has exceeded 100 since the implementation of the AI-based real-time mosquito monitoring system (DMS) earlier this year. The surge is attributed to shifting weather patterns; while extreme heat previously suppressed activity, recent rainfall and cooler morning and evening temperatures have created more favorable conditions for mosquitoes.

Specifically, the index for mosquitoes that transmit Japanese encephalitis rose to an average of 102, though this remains lower than the previous year's levels. Malaria-carrying mosquito levels remained relatively stable compared to the previous week. Health authorities are advising citizens to take precautions against infectious diseases, such as using repellents, wearing long clothing, and eliminating standing water near homes.