A man in his 70s dies from tick bite in Gyeongju... First SFTS fatality in Gyeongbuk this year
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-ho] For the first time this year, a person in their 70s infected with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) in Gyeongbuk has died, raising alarms about the "killer tick."
A resident of Gyeongju, Ms. A (female, 79), recently visited the emergency room of a general hospital on the 26th of last month after experiencing symptoms such as fever and decreased consciousness following orchard work and fieldwork. She was hospitalized for treatment but ultimately passed away after 7 days.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is an infectious disease that mainly occurs from April to November. It is transmitted by bites from the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick carrying the SFTS virus. After an incubation period of 6 to 14 days, symptoms such as high fever (38?40°C), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea appear. There is no preventive vaccine, and in severe cases, it can cause a decrease in platelets and white blood cells, leading to death. Last year, 33 patients (out of 243 nationwide) were reported in Gyeongbuk, with 7 deaths.
Nationwide, from 2016 to 2020, there were 1,162 SFTS cases with 195 deaths. In the Gyeongbuk region during the same period, 160 cases were reported with 32 deaths.
Notably, a high proportion of those infected are agricultural and forestry workers aged 50 and above. When gathering wild greens or engaging in outdoor activities, it is important to wear long clothing to minimize skin exposure and avoid sitting or lying on grassy areas. Additionally, upon returning home, washing clothes and bathing are the best preventive measures to follow.
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Kim Jin-hyun, Director of Welfare and Health at Gyeongbuk Province, stated, "If you experience high fever, vomiting, or other digestive symptoms within two weeks after outdoor activities, you should immediately seek medical attention." He also urged, "We ask related organizations in the community to cooperate in removing risk factors in advance, such as mowing grassy areas where ticks reside."
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