Surge in December Cases Due to Rising Temperatures
192 Infections Reported in Jeonnam Last Year
Symptoms Resemble the Common Cold... Early Treatment Is Crucial
Amid the effects of global warming, the number of tsutsugamushi disease patients is increasing in the Jeonnam region despite it being winter. Provided by Jeonnam Province
Despite the cold winter season, cases of tsutsugamushi disease continue to occur in the Jeonnam region. Extra caution is advised for outdoor activities.
According to the Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment on December 14, tsutsugamushi disease is an infectious disease that typically occurs in the fall when the activity of chigger mite larvae is at its peak. However, due to the recent rise in temperatures caused by global warming, cases have continued to be reported even during the winter months.
In fact, statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency show that the number of tsutsugamushi disease cases in Jeonnam in December has been increasing each year: 79 cases in 2021, 96 cases in 2022, 109 cases in 2023, and 192 cases in 2024.
Tsutsugamushi disease occurs when a person is bitten by the larva of a chigger mite infected with Orientia tsutsugamushi. Early symptoms resemble those of the common cold, such as fever, chills, and headache, and a characteristic black scab (eschar) often forms at the bite site.
To prevent infection, it is important to wear long clothing and use tick repellents when engaging in outdoor activities such as farming, hiking, or walking. After returning home, it is essential to shower immediately and wash your clothes.
Kim Jinyoung, Head of the Infectious Disease Investigation Division 2 at Jeonnam Province, said, "If you experience symptoms such as fever or chills after outdoor activities, do not dismiss them as a simple cold. If you notice a bite mark, visit a medical institution immediately for treatment."
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