"Beware of Ticks During Beolcho and Seongmyo"... Gyeonggi-do Warns of Tick-Borne Infectious Diseases

Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment Research has urged caution regarding Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne infectious disease, ahead of the Chuseok holiday period when people engage in grass cutting or ancestral grave visits.

The institute announced on the 12th that, after testing 194 suspected SFTS patients reported by the end of August, all 8 confirmed positive patients were aged 50 or older.

The number of cases over the past three years is as follows: ▲ 26 cases in 2021 (172 nationwide) ▲ 40 cases in 2022 (193 nationwide) ▲ 38 cases in 2023 (198 nationwide).

SFTS is a severe disease transmitted by ticks carrying the SFTS virus, with an average fatality rate of about 18.5%.

Symptoms of infection include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, often accompanied by decreased consciousness, requiring special attention. The vector ticks are widely distributed not only in grassy areas such as gardens, parks, and walking trails but also in all environments inhabited by wild animals. To prevent infection, repellents should be used during outdoor activities, and long sleeves and long pants should be worn.

Additionally, after returning home, it is important to immediately wash clothes and take a shower, following preventive measures. If symptoms of infection appear within two weeks, one should promptly visit a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment.

A representative from the institute stated, "During the Chuseok holiday, when people engage in outdoor activities such as grass cutting or ancestral grave visits, it is essential to minimize skin exposure to avoid tick bites," adding, "It is important to carefully check areas where ticks can hide and feed, such as behind the ears, behind the knees, and under the arms."