KDCA Launches Nationwide Surveillance System for SFTS Vector Tick Species

Advising Compliance with Preventive Measures During Outdoor Activities in Spring

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on April 13, 2026, that it will conduct surveillance of the tick species, the main vector of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), from today through November.

The KDCA has been conducting annual tick surveillance to help prevent SFTS infections, providing the public with information on tick density and pathogen detection results.

This year, the tick surveillance program will be carried out in 26 regions, in collaboration with 10 regional Institutes of Health and Environment (Incheon, Busan, Gwangju, Ulsan, Gangwon, Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongnam, and Jeju), as well as 6 university-based climate change vector surveillance centers. Data on tick density and pathogen detection collected through these efforts will be made available to the public each month via the "Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Surveillance Weekly Newsletter."

Monthly Collection Results of Tick Species in 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The tick species can transmit SFTS to humans at all developmental stages, including larvae, nymphs, and adults. Nymphs become active in spring (April to May), adults lay eggs during the summer (June to July), and the population increases sharply in autumn (September to November) as larvae emerge. Among the SFTS vector tick species found in Korea, Haemaphysalis longicornis is the most prevalent and is mainly found in grassy fields.

If bitten by a tick carrying the SFTS virus, individuals may develop high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea within 5 to 14 days. Since the first domestic case was reported in 2013, a total of 2,345 people have been infected with SFTS in Korea through 2025, averaging 180.4 cases per year. Of these, 422 individuals have died, resulting in a fatality rate of 18.0%. As there is currently no vaccine or treatment available, adhering to preventive measures remains the best option.

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the KDCA, stated, "As the weather gets warmer and outdoor activities increase, the likelihood of coming into contact with ticks may rise." He emphasized preventive measures for those working on farms or engaging in outdoor activities, including: avoiding prolonged stays in grassy areas, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and checking your body for ticks after being outdoors. He also advised, "Because ticks burrow deeply into the skin and are difficult to remove, and due to the risk of secondary infection, you should visit a medical institution for safe removal and treatment."

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