KCDC Issues Japanese Encephalitis Alert Notice [Apr. 3 (Tues.), 2018]

Person in charge: Lee Chae-Jin (Infectious Disease Surveillance, 043-719-7161, cjl307@korea.kr)


□ The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Director Jeong Eun-Kyeong) issued a Japanese Encephalitis (JE) alert notice to the whole country after confirming Culex tritaeniorhynchus, the JE mediated mosquito, in Busan on 1st April 2018.

 (about JE : http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs386/en)

   * Culex tritaeniorhynchus is a small, dark brown mosquito with no distinctive patterns on its body and a wide white band at the center of its mouth.
   * Not all Culex tritaeniorhynchus have the JE virus.

□ KCDC conducts ongoing JE vector surveillance to issue an alert notice upon confirming the first JE vector mosquito.

 ○ KCDC conducts ongoing JE vector surveillance to issue an alert notice upon confirming the first JE vector mosquito.

 ○ As a result of Japanese encephalitis monitoring over the past 10 years, the number of patients with Japanese encephalitis has not increased. However, considering that about 90% of reported patients are over 40 years old, particular attention should be paid to mosquito bites in this age group.

□ There is an effective vaccine for JE, and children should be vaccinated against the disease from as early as 12 months to 12 years of age, in accordance with the national immunization program following the standard schedule.

 ○ Vaccination is recommended for those who are immunocompromised or those who are at high risk of infection due to exposure to mosquitoes.

□ KCDC data shows that JE vector mosquitoes have been confirmed earlier each year since 2015 due to the intensive monitoring of vectors. With rising spring temperatures, mosquitoes have become more active each year as well. 

 ○ KCDC recommended the public to comply with the mosquito avoidance and control instructions during indoor and outdoor activities.