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

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it confirmed more than 500 mosquitoes of the Culex tritaeniorhynchus species nationwide that act as a carrier for the disease.

The virus of Japanese encephalitis can cause an acute inflammation of the brain in humans.

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 death. (Yonhap)