The Cherry Blossom Season Has Arrived... Even Avoiding COVID-19, the 'Murder Mite' Virus Targets Spring Outings

Daedong Hospital Advises Caution for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) During Outdoor Outings

As the season arrives for people to escape outdoors to avoid others during the COVID-19 era, it is important to prepare for the hidden threat of 'murderous ticks' that spring hikers face. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] The cherry blossom season has arrived, but we are experiencing a 'COVID-19 era' that makes people hesitant to go out for cherry blossom viewing. Many people seek spring outings to avoid crowds, but this is not without challenges. The hidden threat of spring is the 'tick.'

The Korea Meteorological Administration recently announced that this year's cherry blossoms bloomed the earliest since cherry blossoms were first observed in 1922. In Seoul, they bloomed 3 days earlier than last year and 17 days earlier than the average year. This is because the average temperature and sunlight hours in February and March increased compared to usual years.

Although spring flower festivals nationwide were canceled or scaled down due to COVID-19, outdoor activities have increased as people who struggled with indoor life seek to go outside, causing health authorities to remain vigilant.

With increased outdoor activities such as early cherry blossom viewing, in addition to following social distancing and quarantine guidelines, caution is needed against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) caused by tick bites during outdoor activities.

SFTS is an infectious disease caused by a virus transmitted by the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, commonly known as the 'killer tick.'

In Korea, the first patient was reported in 2013, and until last year, a total of 1,089 patients have been reported, with 215 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of about 20%, making it a dangerous disease.

Most patients experience an incubation period of about 1 to 2 weeks, followed by high fever above 38°C and digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Neurological symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue, seizures, and decreased consciousness may also accompany. Leukopenia or thrombocytopenia can cause hemorrhagic tendencies or multiple organ failure, and in severe cases, it can progress to critical illness and death.

Diagnosis can be made through virus isolation or genetic detection via serological tests, but since no antiviral drugs have been developed yet, symptomatic treatment is provided according to symptoms.

Chief Yoon Chang-guk, Department of Emergency Medicine, Daedong Hospital.

Yoon Chang-guk, Head of the Regional Emergency Medical Center at Daedong Hospital (Emergency Medicine Specialist), said, "Ticks firmly attach to the skin to feed on blood, and if removed incorrectly, parts may remain in the skin, so they should be removed using tweezers and then disinfected."

Dr. Yoon advised, "If you find a tick on your skin and experience high fever along with digestive symptoms, you must visit a medical institution for treatment."

Since there is no vaccine or treatment for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), avoiding tick bites is of utmost importance.

If you plan outdoor activities during the peak tick activity season, you should strictly follow preventive measures such as ▲wearing long clothes to minimize skin exposure ▲using a mat on grassy areas ▲using designated walking or hiking trails ▲washing used mats and clothing thoroughly ▲using repellents ▲washing thoroughly after going out ▲checking for ticks on hair, ears, arms, and legs.