A person in their 40s who recently traveled to Indonesia has been confirmed as South Korea’s first Zika virus case this year.
Jeju Island authorities announced on Monday that the individual tested positive for the virus on May 30, shortly after returning from a nine-day trip to Indonesia earlier in the month.
The patient reportedly suffered mosquito bites while abroad. They showed symptoms such as chills, muscle pain, and redness in the eyes. Officials say the person’s condition is now improving.
Though officially registered as a resident of Gyeonggi Province, the patient is currently staying in Jeju for work.
Jeju health authorities are investigating the case in coordination with the public health center in the patient’s home area. They are collecting mosquitoes within 200 meters of the patient’s home and places they visited. These insects will be tested for the virus. At the same time, targeted disinfection efforts are underway to prevent further spread.
Zika virus infections usually happen after being bitten by infected forest mosquitoes. The incubation period ranges from three to 14 days. Common symptoms include a rash, fever, red eyes, joint pain, and muscle aches.
Most people experience mild symptoms. However, if a pregnant woman contracts the virus, it can cause serious birth defects like microcephaly. This makes prevention especially important for expectant mothers.
Besides mosquito bites, the virus can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, transmission from mother to child, and accidental laboratory exposure.
In South Korea, 16 cases of Zika were reported in 2016 and 11 in 2017. Since then, fewer than four cases have been reported each year. Over the past five years, there was one case in 2020, none in 2021, three in 2022, two in 2023, and none last year.
Almost all cases were imported from other countries, mostly Southeast Asia. There has been no local transmission reported in South Korea. The exception was one suspected laboratory infection in 2020.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika virus. Preventing mosquito bites remains the best defense. Travelers to Southeast Asia and other high-risk regions are advised to avoid thick vegetation and forests. They should also wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing and use mosquito repellent.
Cho Sang-beom, director of Jeju’s Safety and Health Division, urged the public to “follow prevention guidelines carefully and seek medical care promptly if symptoms appear after travel or mosquito exposure.”
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