The alert came after the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) found that samples of the specific species of mosquitos transmitting the disease were detected for the first time this year in Jeju and South Jeolla Province last week.
Japanese encephalitis is spread by Culex mosquitoes and causes fever, headache, and paralysis, mostly affecting children between the ages of three and 15. In some cases, it can develop to severe brain inflammation, with a mortality rate of 20 to 30 percent.
"Prevention is crucial, as there is no specific treatment available yet for Japanese encephalitis," a KDCA official said.
As a preventive measure, it is advised to avoid outdoor activities at night between April and October, wear long, light-colored clothing, use mosquito repellent, and stay away from strongly scented products.
The vaccine for the disease is available free of charge for children aged 12 months to 12 years.
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