Analysis of Vector Mosquito Control Status Using Insecticide Purchase Data from Public Health Institutions in the Republic of Korea (2019-2023).

OBJECTIVES

Mosquitoes transmit various diseases worldwide. In the Republic of Korea, they spread malaria and Japanese encephalitis, while dengue, Zika, and West Nile virus are concerns abroad. To protect public health, health institutions nationwide carry out mosquito control activities. This survey aims to provide foundational data for the safe and biorational use of mosquito control agents by analyzing purchase and usage trends from 2019 to 2023.

METHODS

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency analyzed mosquito control agents purchased by national health institutions over five years, categorized by substance type, growth stage, and raw material.

RESULTS

On average, 94.0% of agents were chemical substances and 6.0% were biorational, such as microbial pesticides. Adult-targeted agents accounted for 74.1% and larval agents 25.9%. Pyrethroids were the most commonly used. While chemical and adult-targeted agents remain dominant, the proportion of biorational and larval control agents slightly increased in 2023 compared to 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Although annual differences were not statistically significant, the results suggest a gradual shift toward environmentally friendly mosquito control using safer substances.