In Ulsan, a death due to Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) has occurred for the first time in four years.

On the 19th, the Ulsan city government confirmed that a woman in her 70s, who passed away on the 17th, was diagnosed as a confirmed SFTS case.

The deceased woman is believed to have been exposed to ticks while foraging for wild vegetables in the Uljin area. She displayed symptoms suspected of SFTS since the 8th and was hospitalized but ultimately succumbed to the illness.

SFTS is a viral infection transmitted through tick bites, presenting symptoms such as high fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia. It is a dangerous disease with a cumulative mortality rate of 18.7% in South Korea over the past decade.

Preventive Measures for SFTS and High-Risk Groups

Currently, there are no vaccines or treatments for SFTS, making prevention crucial. It is especially important to adhere to safety measures during outdoor activities such as farming or hiking from spring to autumn when tick activity is high.

Key preventive measures include minimizing skin exposure, using tick repellents, avoiding sitting directly on grass, not leaving clothing on the grass, washing clothes immediately after returning home, taking a shower right away, and checking pets for ticks.

Notably, most SFTS cases have occurred in individuals over 50 years old who work in the agriculture and livestock industries, necessitating heightened awareness among elderly residents in rural areas.

If symptoms such as fever or muscle pain appear within two weeks after agricultural work or outdoor activities, individuals should visit a healthcare facility immediately. A Ulsan city official emphasized, "It is essential to inform healthcare professionals about your outdoor activities during the consultation."

Image source: Reference photos to aid understanding of the article / gettyimagesbank, preventive measures for tick-borne infectious diseases. / Provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.