Frequent Tick and Bee Sting Incidents During Holidays... Caution Advised for Outdoor Activities Over Chuseok Holiday

Recently, the incidence of infectious diseases transmitted by ticks and rodents has been increasing, requiring special caution during outdoor activities over the Chuseok holiday.

According to the Disease Control Agency's infection portal on the 15th, a total of 17,813 cases of Tsutsugamushi disease were reported nationwide over the past three years (2021?2023). Among them, 5,663 cases occurred last year. Tsutsugamushi disease, caused by the larvae of the chigger mite, mainly occurs in the fall when the larvae are active. Over the past three years, 77.6% (13,834 cases) of the reported cases were concentrated in October and November. The disease has an incubation period of about 1 to 3 weeks, after which symptoms such as headache, chills, fever, and vomiting appear.

Leptospirosis, another representative autumn infectious disease, occurs through contact with the excrement of dogs, cattle, and rodents infected with the virus. Over the past three years, a total of 328 people nationwide contracted leptospirosis. The disease has an incubation period of 7 to 12 days, with fever, headache, muscle pain, and conjunctival hemorrhage as typical symptoms.

Bees and snakes, which can be easily encountered in the hills during ancestral rites, should also be approached with caution. According to the Fire Department's emergency activity statistics, from 2021 during the Chuseok period, 1,022 people were transported by ambulance due to bee stings and 97 due to snake bites. Notably, three patients suffered cardiac arrest due to bee stings.

A fire department official advised, "To prevent bee stings during grass cutting or visits to ancestral graves, avoid using strongly scented cosmetics or perfumes and wear light-colored clothing." They also emphasized, "To prevent various insect bites such as snake bites and tick bites, it is necessary to wear long-sleeved clothes, pants covering the ankles, and boots."