[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yuk Miseok] On the 29th, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do announced that although a suspected case of tick-borne infectious diseases (such as Tsutsugamushi disease, Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), Lyme disease, etc.) recently occurred for the first time, fortunately, it was confirmed negative.
As outdoor activities are expected to increase following the easing of strict social distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention, special caution is required to avoid exposure to ticks.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), which is transmitted by the so-called "killer tick," the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, mainly occurs from April to November. After being bitten by a tick carrying the SFTS virus, symptoms such as high fever of 38-40 degrees Celsius, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), lethargy, and loss of appetite appear after an incubation period of 1-2 weeks.
Most cases recover naturally, but 12-30% may experience respiratory difficulties and loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death can occur. From 2013 to last year, 1,089 people were confirmed as SFTS patients, and 215 lost their lives.
An official from the Gurye-gun Health and Medical Center stated, “Since there is no clear treatment for SFTS, prevention by avoiding tick bites during outings or outdoor activities is the top priority. It is recommended to wear long sleeves and long pants to minimize exposed skin, avoid leaving clothes on or lying down on grassy areas, and after returning home, shake off clothes, take a bath immediately, and change clothes.”
He added, “If bitten by a tick, do not forcibly remove the tick and visit a medical institution immediately.”
Meanwhile, Gurye-gun has installed and operates tick repellent storage boxes at six locations including Seosicheon Trail, Bongsan, Hwaeomsa Temple, Piagol, Osan, and Bamboo Forest Trail to protect residents and tourists from tick-borne infectious diseases, allowing free use of repellents to thoroughly block tick-borne infections.
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