Health officials in Goyang, a city near the inter-Korean border, have alerted residents about malaria after confirming two cases of the disease in the same area within four days.
A teenager from Ilsanseo District started showing malaria symptoms, like high fever and muscle aches. Four days later, someone living just 500 meters away in an apartment building had similar symptoms. Both patients received medical care and recovered fully in a few days.
Officials plan to investigate the area’s environment to understand the malaria risk, especially as new cases are increasing nationwide. They also listed 16 hospitals and clinics for malaria testing and urged people to prevent mosquito bites, especially from May to October.
Between January and May this year, 100 people were diagnosed with malaria, with 66 cases in May alone. Goyang, along with other cities near the demilitarized zone like Gimpo and Paju, is at high risk for malaria.
The disease spreads mainly through mosquito bites, particularly by the Anopheles sinensis species found in Korea. Malaria isn’t contagious between people but can spread through blood transfusions, needle-sharing, or from a pregnant woman to her baby.
Symptoms include high fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, chest pain, breathing problems, and coughing. Without treatment, it can lead to seizures, organ failure, brain damage, or death.
