Health Authorities Issue Japanese Encephalitis Alert

Over half, or 64 percent, of the mosquitoes recently tested in the southern port city of Busan were found to be carrying the Japanese encephalitis virus, prompting the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue a nationwide alert late last week.

Officials say climate change is helping the virus-infected mosquitoes breed. Symptoms of the disease include headaches, fever and convulsions, and in extreme cases, coma. Children are at higher risk, so officials advise parents to make sure young kids are vaccinated.

As the mosquitoes are most active until the end of October, the KCDC advises people to use mosquito nets indoors and limit the amount of time they spend outside. When outdoors, the use of long-sleeved clothing and mosquito repellent is recommended.