The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on the 9th that the first Japanese encephalitis patient of the year has been reported. Japanese encephalitis can cause fever, headache and seizures. Even after symptoms improve, neurological complications may remain depending on the area of damage, and in severe cases it can be fatal.
According to the agency, a patient in their 60s who visited a medical institution on the 15th was confirmed to have Japanese encephalitis. The patient, who has underlying conditions including chronic renal failure, is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment. Earlier, seven cases of Japanese encephalitis were reported last year.
Japanese encephalitis is transmitted by Culex tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes feed at night near livestock sheds or water puddles. To prevent Japanese encephalitis, it is important to avoid outdoor activities at night and to prevent mosquito bites. When going out, wear light-colored long clothing and avoid strong perfumes that attract mosquitoes.
Japanese encephalitis is preventable with a vaccine. The agency recommended vaccination for children 12 and under, for those who work in rice paddies and livestock sheds, or for those who have traveled to high-risk countries. Im Seung-gwan, commissioner of the agency, said, "Cases of Japanese encephalitis surge from September," and asked the public to "follow prevention guidelines."