Japanese encephalitis warnings have been issued nationwide.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on the 26th that a Japanese encephalitis mosquito, 'Culex tritaeniorhynchus', was collected for the first time this year from Jeju and Jeonnam regions.

The Japanese encephalitis advisory is issued each year when the Japanese encephalitis-mediated mosquito (small red house mosquito) is first collected from the annual Japanese encephalitis epidemic project (March-November).

This year is about two weeks earlier than last year.

When bitten by a small red mosquito with the Japanese encephalitis virus, more than 99% have asymptomatic or mild fever symptoms.

However, some can develop fatal acute encephalitis, of which 20-30% can lead to death.

To prevent Japanese encephalitis, it is important to be vaccinated and, above all, not to be bitten by mosquitoes.

Children from 12 months to 12 years of age who are eligible for national immunization programs must complete the vaccination according to the standard immunization schedule.

Children under the age of 12 can receive free vaccination regardless of their address at national health centers and designated medical institutions [available on the Immunization Assistant's website (https://nip.cdc.go.kr) or mobile app].

Immunization against Japanese encephalitis is recommended for adults who do not have immunity and who are at high risk of infection from mosquito exposure.

(Photo = Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)