Caution Urged Against Tick Bites During Outdoor Activities
Promoting Prevention Guidelines and Distributing Repellents
Yeosu City in Jeollanam-do (Mayor Jung Kimyung) announced on July 31 that the first case this year of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), suspected to have been caused by a tick bite during outdoor activities, has occurred.
SFTS is an infectious disease transmitted by the so-called "killer tick," which carries the SFTS virus. It is characterized by symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, general fatigue, and loss of appetite. There is currently no vaccine or treatment, making it a highly fatal disease.
In June, a tick-borne infectious disease prevention education session was held for residents at Sangchon Village Hall in Manheung-dong. Provided by Yeosu City
This infectious disease mainly occurs between April and November. Infection can happen if a person is bitten by a tick carrying the virus while working in a vegetable garden, taking a walk, or engaging in outdoor activities in grassy areas.
To prevent tick-borne infectious diseases, the city is distributing 9,000 tick repellents, 8,000 arm sleeves, and educational promotional materials to citizens. In addition, preventive education for residents is being conducted through health centers and health clinics.
To prevent SFTS, it is important to wear work clothes that do not expose skin, use tick repellents, refrain from visiting grassy fields or bushes, take a full-body shower after returning home, and wash outdoor clothing separately.
Seo Hyunsook, director of the public health center, said, "When engaging in outdoor activities, wear long clothes, socks, and hats to avoid tick bites, and after activities, carefully check moist areas such as the armpits and behind the knees. If you experience symptoms such as high fever, you should immediately visit a medical institution for treatment."
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