Request to Follow Prevention Guidelines for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Occurrence
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan) is urging residents to follow preventive measures after a case of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) was reported in Okcheon-myeon.
According to Haenam-gun on the 9th, SFTS is a viral infectious disease that occurs after being bitten by a tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) carrying the SFTS virus from April to November. There is no preventive vaccine or treatment, and severe cases can result in death.
Symptoms appear after an incubation period of 6 to 14 days following a tick bite, including persistent high fever along with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
It is especially prevalent among agricultural and forestry workers aged 50 and above, so special caution is required for the elderly population in rural areas.
To prevent infection, during outdoor activities such as farming, visiting ancestral graves, grass cutting, or hiking, wear long sleeves, long pants, and shoes that fully cover the legs, and apply insect repellent over clothing to avoid skin exposure.
To eliminate tick habitats, remove weeds around farmland and homes, and avoid contact with outdoor pets such as dogs.
After outdoor activities, shake off and wash clothes, take a shower or bath, and carefully check areas such as hair, around the ears, underarms, waist, behind the knees, and between the legs for ticks.
If a tick bite is confirmed, do not forcibly remove the tick; visit a medical institution for complete removal. Also, if high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms occur within two weeks after outdoor activities, seek immediate medical attention.
Haenam-gun has established quarantine measures to prepare for tick-borne diseases and operates an epidemiological investigation team to ensure rapid diagnosis and treatment when suspected cases arise.
A Haenam-gun official stated, “SFTS is an infectious disease with a fatality rate of about 20%. Since there is no vaccine or treatment, it is crucial to avoid tick bites. If you experience high fever (38?40℃) and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) within two weeks after outdoor activities, please visit a medical institution immediately for diagnosis and treatment.”
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