Jangseong-gun Urges Caution Against Four Major Febrile Diseases in Autumn

Published 19 Oct.2023 16:32(KST)

Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, has urged caution against infections from the four major febrile diseases during the autumn season.

According to the county on the 19th, the four major febrile diseases that mainly occur from October to December are Tsutsugamushi disease, Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, and Leptospirosis.

Poster for Prevention Guidelines of Tick-borne Infectious Diseases. <br>Photo by Jangseong-gun

Poster for Prevention Guidelines of Tick-borne Infectious Diseases.
Photo by Jangseong-gun

Among these, Tsutsugamushi disease and SFTS are caused by bites from ticks infected with viruses. Symptoms include fever and diarrhea, and especially in the case of SFTS, the fatality rate is around 20%, requiring special caution.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome and Leptospirosis are transmitted when excreta from rodents come into contact with the respiratory tract or skin.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome shows symptoms such as fever, bleeding, and renal failure, and there is a preventive vaccine available. Leptospirosis presents symptoms like cold-like signs and jaundice.

All four major febrile diseases pose a higher risk of infection to those engaged in agriculture and livestock farming or those who frequently participate in outdoor activities.

It is important to wear long-sleeved clothing and apply tick repellents during outdoor activities. Livestock workers should wear work clothes and protect any wounds with waterproof bandages. Attention should also be paid to workplace hygiene to suppress rodent proliferation.

After outdoor activities or work, clothes worn should be washed, and showering or bathing is essential to reduce the risk of infection.

A representative from the Jangseong-gun Public Health Center said, “If infection is suspected after outdoor activities, please visit a medical institution immediately for treatment.”