Ulsan City Strengthens Tick-Borne Disease Surveillance After First Domestic SFTS Case Confirmed

Follow Prevention Guidelines Such as Wearing Long Sleeves and Pants During Outdoor Activities

Ulsan City has strengthened its surveillance system for tick-borne infectious diseases and urged citizens to follow prevention guidelines after the first confirmed case of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) in Korea this year was reported in Namwon, North Jeolla Province.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is transmitted through bites from hard ticks and is most active from spring to autumn, when temperatures rise.

Symptoms such as high fever (38°C to 40°C), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea appear within two weeks of infection. If the disease progresses to a severe stage, there is a risk of death due to decreased platelet and white blood cell counts. The fatality rate in Korea is very high at 18.5%.

Since Ulsan began surveillance in 2013, fewer than 10 cases have been reported each year, with a total of 4 cases reported last year. Of these, 75.0% (3 cases) were among people aged 60 or older, and 75.0% (3 cases) were infected while temporarily working in home gardens, making this the most common cause.

Over the past three years, the first SFTS patient has been reported in early to mid-April each year: April 11 in 2022, April 5 in 2023, and April 23 in 2024. In addition, Tsutsugamushi disease, which is known as a tick-borne infectious disease common in autumn, has also been occurring continuously in spring, so caution is needed.

The city is maintaining its disease prevention campaigns and surveillance systems in preparation for increased outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and farming during the spring, and is making every effort to ensure thorough prevention and prompt response.

To prevent tick-borne infectious diseases, it is important not to stay on grassy areas for extended periods, to wear long sleeves and long pants during outdoor activities, and to always wash your body after such activities.

Precautions for Preventing Tick-Borne Infectious Diseases.

An Ulsan City official stated, "The best way to prevent infection is to avoid tick bites," and emphasized, "Since this is a highly preventable disease, please be sure to follow the guidelines before and after outdoor activities, and seek medical attention promptly if you develop any symptoms."

Ulsan City Tick-Borne Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines.