Hwasun-gun Takes Emergency Action on SFTS... Intensifies Promotion of Prevention Guidelines for Farmers and the Elderly

No Preventive Vaccine or Treatment Available:
Avoid Tick Bites to Prevent Infection

Extra Caution Needed for Outdoor Activities Such as Farming, Hiking, and Grave Maintenance

Hwasun-gun has stepped up efforts to promote prevention against Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne infectious disease common in the summer.

On July 21, Hwasun-gun announced that it would focus on promoting SFTS prevention guidelines to residents at high risk of infection, such as farmers, forestry workers, and the elderly, as cases of SFTS continue to be reported with some developing into severe or fatal outcomes.

SFTS is a nationally notifiable Class 3 infectious disease transmitted by tick bites, such as those from the Asian longhorned tick. Because there is currently no preventive vaccine or specific treatment, the most effective prevention is to avoid being bitten by ticks. Extra caution is needed during the summer, when outdoor activities such as farming, hiking, and grave maintenance increase, raising the risk of infection.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Prevention Guidelines Promotional Poster.

The county plans to expand its prevention campaign by leveraging local health centers and clinics, as well as community broadcasts, digital signboards, newsletters, and village leader meetings.

The main preventive measures include: ▲ Wearing long sleeves and long pants during farming and outdoor activities ▲ Using tick repellents ▲ Showering promptly and washing work clothes upon returning home ▲ Checking the body for attached ticks, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

Hwasun-gun aims to strengthen publicity efforts so that residents routinely practice these precautions, with the goal of minimizing SFTS cases in the region.

Park Mira, director of the Hwasun-gun Public Health Center, stated, "The most important way to prevent SFTS is to avoid being bitten by ticks. If you experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, or diarrhea after farming or outdoor activities, you should promptly visit a healthcare facility for medical attention."

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