Busan Health and Environment Research Institute, Survey on the Habitat of Ticks

Investigation of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Tick Habitats from April to November

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: Infection Risk for Outdoor Activities, Middle-aged and Elderly, and Immunocompromised Individuals

The Busan Metropolitan City Health and Environment Research Institute will conduct a monthly survey on the habitat of Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks, which transmit Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), from April to November, when outdoor activities become more active.

SFTS Prevention Campaign.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is a representative tick-borne disease caused by being bitten by wild ticks during outdoor activities.

The main vector is the small longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), which is distributed nationwide in Japan and South Korea. It measures about 2 to 3 mm in size and has a brownish body. Cases begin to occur in spring when exposure to ticks increases due to more outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Since the first domestic case was confirmed in 2013, infection cases have continued to be reported.

In particular, the risk of infection with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is higher for middle-aged and older adults who engage in frequent outdoor activities and for people with weakened immune systems. Although most people do not get infected even if bitten by a tick, if symptoms appear after being bitten by some ticks carrying the SFTS virus, it can be fatal for those with weakened immunity. Therefore, if high fever or digestive symptoms occur within two weeks after outdoor activities, immediate medical consultation is necessary.

To prevent infection and monitor these pathogen-carrying ticks, the institute will conduct a "Haemaphysalis longicornis Habitat Survey" every third week of the month in parks, hiking trails, and forest paths until November.

This year, the collection sites total four locations: ▲Samnak Ecological Park ▲Baekyangsan ▲Children's Grand Park ▲Livestock farms in Gijang-gun.

Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were not collected from 2014, when the survey was first conducted, until 2019. However, from 2020 to last year, small numbers were collected at Busan Citizens Park and Baekyangsan hiking trails. It was found that they do not carry the SFTS virus.

According to the survey results, if the SFTS virus is detected in collected Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks, quarantine agencies will be promptly notified so that control measures such as weeding and posting caution signs can be implemented.

Jung Seung-yoon, director of the Busan Metropolitan City Health and Environment Research Institute, stated, “The best prevention against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is to avoid tick bites.” He added, “We urge citizens to strictly follow preventive measures such as using tick repellents during outdoor activities and work, and avoiding grassy areas.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.