Gyeonggi Health and Environment Research Institute Urges Caution Against Tick-Borne Infectious Diseases

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment has urged caution regarding tick-borne infectious diseases in the autumn season.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment Research has urged caution regarding tick-borne infectious diseases such as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) as outdoor activities like grass cutting and hiking increase in the autumn season.

According to the Institute, as of the 20th, 238 suspected cases of SFTS reported this year were tested, and 10 patients were confirmed positive, all of whom were aged 50 or older, the Institute announced on the 21st.

Looking at the patient occurrence over the past three years, there were 37 cases in 2020 (243 nationwide), 37 cases in 2021 (172 nationwide), and 23 cases in 2022 (193 nationwide).

Tick-borne infectious diseases are illnesses transmitted by bites from certain ticks infected with viruses. In particular, SFTS has a high fatality rate averaging 16.9%, requiring careful attention. Ticks are widely distributed not only in places with abundant grass such as vegetable gardens, parks, and walking trails but also in all environments where wild animals live.

To prevent SFTS infection, it is recommended to wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants during outdoor activities like weekend farming and hiking. If high fever or digestive symptoms appear within two weeks after outdoor activities, one should immediately visit a medical institution, inform them of the outdoor activity history, and receive medical care.

A representative from the Institute of Health and Environment Research emphasized, "It is important for elderly people to carefully check areas where ticks may hide and feed, such as the back of the neck, back, inner thighs, buttocks, and abdomen."

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