Ticks known as so-called "killer ticks" have begun their spring activity. The ticks transmit severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), which has a fatality rate of 18%, requiring caution. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on the 13th it will activate a monitoring system for tick occurrence.
If infected with SFTS after being bitten by a tick, high fever, diarrhea and vomiting appear within two weeks. If symptoms worsen, it can be fatal. From 2013, when the first domestic case was reported, through last year, there were 2,345 patients with SFTS. Of those, 422 died. Because there is still no vaccine or treatment, prevention by avoiding tick bites is the best option.
Ticks begin nymph activity in the spring as the weather warms. In summer, adults lay eggs, and in fall, they develop into larvae and the population increases. The disease agency will monitor ticks in 26 regions from today through November in cooperation with public health and environment research institutes and universities. It will provide monthly information on tick density and pathogen detection.
In Korea, among the ticks that transmit SFTS, Haemaphysalis longicornis is the most common. Because they mainly inhabit grasslands, caution is needed to avoid contact during outdoor activities. It also helps to lay out a mat instead of sitting directly on the lawn.
To prevent tick bites, it is important to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use tick repellent or, after outdoor activities, check whether ticks are attached to your body. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Commissioner Lim Seung-gwan said, "If you find a tick attached to your body, its mouthparts are embedded deeply, making direct removal difficult," adding, "Because there is a risk of secondary infection, you should visit a medical institution."