A death caused by Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) has been reported in Ulsan, South Korea, for the first time in four years.
On Monday, the Ulsan municipal government announced that a woman in her 70s who died on May 17 had been confirmed to have SFTS.
The woman is believed to have been exposed to ticks while foraging for wild edible greens in Ulju County. She began showing symptoms consistent with SFTS on May 8 and was hospitalized for treatment, but ultimately passed away.
SFTS is a viral disease transmitted through tick bites. Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in platelet count. Over the past ten years, the cumulative fatality rate in South Korea has reached 18.7 percent, highlighting the seriousness of the disease.
SFTS Prevention and High-Risk Groups
As there are currently no vaccines or specific treatments for SFTS, prevention is of the utmost importance. From spring to fall, when tick activity is at its peak, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines during outdoor activities such as farming or hiking.
Key preventive measures include minimizing skin exposure, using tick repellents, avoiding direct contact with grass, not leaving clothes on grassy areas, immediately washing worn clothes and taking a shower after returning home, and checking pets for ticks.
Most SFTS patients are individuals aged 50 and older who work in agriculture, forestry, or livestock, meaning elderly residents in rural areas need to take special precautions.
Individuals should seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as fever and muscle pain appear within two weeks after outdoor activities. A Ulsan city official emphasized, “Be sure to inform healthcare providers about any recent outdoor activity during your visit.”
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