South Korea reports 1st human Japanese encephalitis case of 2026
South Korea has confirmed its first human case of Japanese encephalitis for 2026 in a woman in her 60s. Health officials are urging caution as the virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, remains active in the region through October.
Why it matters
Japanese encephalitis is a serious viral infection with a high mortality rate and potential for long-term neurological complications, making public health awareness critical.
The first Japanese encephalitis (JE) case of the year was confirmed in a woman in her 60s; the patient is currently hospitalized with symptoms including fever, chills, and vomiting.
She visited a medical institution (Aug. 15) with symptoms such as fever (39.1°C), chills, and vomiting; she is currently receiving inpatient treatment and has underlying conditions, including chronic renal failure.
Image/KDCA The case was confirmed on September 9 after confirmatory diagnostic testing by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) showed a more than fourfold increase in antibody titers in convalescent-phase serum compared to the acute phase.
An epidemiological investigation confirmed a history of mosquito bites and established that the patient had no history of Japanese encephalitis vaccination.
In Korea, most Japanese encephalitis cases occur between August and November, with 80% of cases concentrated in September and October, primarily affecting individuals aged 50 and older (65.9%).
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