District advises avoiding nighttime outdoor activities, using insect repellent
Seoul's Seongbuk-gu has urged residents to follow mosquito-bite prevention guidelines and ensure children eligible for national vaccinations are fully immunized, following the issuance of a Japanese encephalitis alert nationwide.
Earlier, the district distributed mosquito larva control agents to small residential septic tanks starting in March to reduce mosquito populations during the summer.
Japanese encephalitis is a disease transmitted through the bite of a virus-carrying mosquito. Most infections produce no symptoms or only mild ones, but in rare cases the illness can progress to encephalitis, causing serious symptoms such as high fever, seizures, convulsions and paralysis — and can be fatal in some cases.
Children born on or after Jan. 1, 2013, who are eligible for national vaccination support, must complete their immunizations according to the standard vaccination schedule. Children aged 6 and 12 are due for booster shots, and guardians are recommended to confirm their children's vaccination status and visit a nearby contracted medical institution or public health center.
To prevent mosquito bites, the district advised residents to avoid nighttime outdoor activities, wear bright-colored long clothing, use insect repellent, maintain window and door screens, and eliminate standing water.
"Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease that can be fully prevented through vaccination, so guardians need to pay close attention to ensure children eligible for national immunization do not miss their scheduled shots," district Mayor Lee Seung-ro said. "I hope everyone follows mosquito-bite prevention guidelines thoroughly and enjoys a healthy summer."
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