A Korean college student has tragically died from dengue fever while traveling in Pakistan, highlighting the increasing threat of this tropical disease as cases surge in South Korea.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the number of dengue fever cases in South Korea reached 170 as of October 26, a 16.4% increase over the same period last year. Most cases involve travelers who are infected abroad, primarily in dengue-endemic countries, before returning to Korea.
Indonesia leads in imported cases with 64 (37.6%), followed by the Philippines with 44 cases (25.9%). Thailand reported 22 cases (12.9%), while Vietnam and Malaysia each reported 8 cases (4.7%).
The Philippines has seen a significant rise in dengue cases this year, recording 269,947 cases and 702 deaths, an 80% increase compared to last year. This is the country’s second-highest patient count since 2010.
Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, is primarily transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, but it can also spread through blood transfusions. The incubation period lasts 5-7 days, and symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain. Although many recover after these initial symptoms, severe cases can lead to shock and hemorrhagic symptoms like vomiting blood and bloody stools.
With no vaccine or treatment currently available in South Korea, health authorities emphasize that prevention is key. They advise travelers to apply mosquito repellent outdoors every 3-4 hours and wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing.
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