Chungnam Reports First 'SFTS' Patient This Year... 22% Fatality Rate Over the Past 5 Years

[Asia Economy (Hongseong) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] A confirmed case of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) has been reported in Chungnam.

On the 30th, the Chungnam Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced that a woman in her 60s who showed symptoms of high fever and decreased platelets on the 28th was finally confirmed positive for SFTS. This case is the first SFTS infection reported in the region this year.

The first domestic SFTS infection case was reported in 2013. In Chungnam, a total of 115 people were infected from 2017 to 2021, with 25 deaths, resulting in a fatality rate of 21.7%.

SFTS typically occurs from April to November after being bitten by a virus-infected tick, with an incubation period of 4 to 15 days. Infected patients exhibit symptoms such as high fever, gastrointestinal symptoms, decreased platelets, and decreased white blood cells.

Therefore, the Provincial Institute of Health and Environment emphasizes that if symptoms such as high fever (38°C to 40°C), vomiting, or diarrhea occur within two weeks after outdoor activities, individuals should immediately visit a medical institution, inform them of their outdoor activity history, and receive medical care.

Currently, the Provincial Institute of Health and Environment operates a "rapid response testing system" for laboratory diagnosis of tick-borne infectious diseases.

In addition, the province operates a patient surveillance system through public health centers and medical institutions, and conducts education and publicity on the prevention of tick-borne infectious diseases targeting local residents.

Choi Jin-ha, head of the Provincial Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "SFTS is classified as an infectious disease with a high fatality rate and no available treatment or preventive vaccine. To avoid infection, it is essential to tightly secure sleeves and pant cuffs during outdoor work, wear arm covers and boots, and shower or bathe after returning home, following preventive measures."