First SFTS Case of the Year Reported... Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City on High Alert for Tick-Borne Diseases

Woman in Her Seventies from Suncheon Diagnosed with SFTS
Prevention Is Crucial as No Vaccine or Treatment Exists
Repeated Cases Among Elderly Farmers
Extra Caution Advised for Agricultural Workers and Hikers

With the first case of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) reported this year in Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City, authorities are on high alert for tick-borne infectious diseases during the summer season.

The first patient is a woman in her seventies residing in Suncheon, who is presumed to have been infected after being bitten by a tick while working on a plum farm.

Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City explained that the patient showed symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, and tested positive for SFTS. She is currently receiving inpatient treatment.

The occurrence of this case is particularly significant as it coincides with the peak farming season and increased outdoor activities during the summer.

SFTS usually begins to appear in April, with cases peaking between July and October. Notably, Jeonnam, where a high proportion of elderly farmers reside, is considered one of the nation’s high-risk areas for this disease.

Tick-Borne Infectious Disease Prevention Guidelines. Provided by Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City

In fact, there have been a total of 56 SFTS cases reported in Jeonnam over the past five years.

There were 9 cases in 2021, 14 in 2022, 16 in 2023, 8 in 2024, and 9 in 2025. Particularly, the fatality rate has been high, with 2 deaths in 2021, 5 in 2022, and 7 in 2023.

SFTS is a category 3 notifiable infectious disease transmitted primarily through bites from ticks carrying the virus. Early symptoms resemble those of the common cold or gastroenteritis, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain, but in severe cases it can progress to thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and multiple organ failure.

As there is currently no preventive vaccine or specific treatment available, the only effective countermeasure is to avoid being bitten by ticks in the first place.

This is why cases continue to occur every year, despite public health authorities’ ongoing efforts to promote preventive guidelines.

The elderly, who are frequently exposed to grass and fields for long periods during agricultural work, are at high risk, and with the recent rise in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and trekking, the risk of infection among the general public has also increased.

Experts emphasize that the key to preventing tick-borne diseases is “post-activity inspection.” While wearing long-sleeved clothing is important, it is also essential to shower and wash clothes immediately after outdoor activities, and to carefully check areas where ticks tend to hide, such as around the ears, underarms, waist, and behind the knees.

Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City plans to conduct disinfection and pest control in the affected area and nearby vulnerable regions, and to strengthen the reporting system for medical institutions. The city also intends to expand preventive awareness campaigns targeting farmers and local residents.

Jung Gwangseon, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeonnam Gwangju Metropolitan City, stated, “Since there is no preventive vaccine or specific treatment for SFTS, avoiding tick bites is most important,” and urged, “Please strictly follow preventive guidelines, such as wearing long clothes, hats, and socks, and using repellents when working in the fields or engaging in outdoor activities.”

He added, “If you experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, or vomiting within two weeks after outdoor activities, do not dismiss them as a simple cold or fatigue, but visit a medical institution for a proper examination.”

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