The Seoul Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 16th that a total of 34 dengue fever patients were confirmed at hospitals in the Seoul area between January and November of this year.
Last year, no dengue fever patients were confirmed, but as the number of overseas travelers increased due to the relaxation of the Corona 19 quarantine guidelines, the number of dengue fever patients also showed an increase. Countries with suspected dengue infection include Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and India.
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with the dengue virus. It is an acute febrile illness with symptoms such as headache, musculoskeletal pain, and rash after an incubation period of 3 to 14 days (usually 4 to 7 days).
The researcher emphasized that since there is no preventive vaccine for dengue fever, when traveling abroad to Southeast Asia, etc., check whether dengue fever is prevalent in the travel area before departure and be careful not to be bitten by mosquitoes while traveling.
Shin Yong-seung, director of the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment, said, “If you develop suspicious symptoms after visiting a dengue fever epidemic area, such as Southeast Asia, you should immediately visit a medical institution, inform them of your overseas visit history, and receive treatment.” We will do everything in our power to ensure public health.”
(Data photo = Yonhap News)