S. Korea issues nationwide encephalitis warning

South Korea's health authorities on Thursday issued a nationwide warning against the spread of encephalitis for the second time this year, advising the public to pay attention to personal hygiene and to get vaccinated if necessary. 

The virus of Japanese encephalitis, which can cause an acute inflammation of the brain in humans, was found in mosquito samples collected from the southern port city of Busan, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The center cautioned that if bitten by mosquitoes carrying the virus, those with weak immune systems may show symptoms such as a fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and at worst, severe cases could lead to their deaths. (Yonhap)