Bucheon City has urged special attention to preventing tick-borne infectious diseases, whose risk increases with more outdoor activities in the summer. As temperatures rise and outdoor activities become more frequent, tick activity becomes vigorous, increasing the likelihood of infection, thus requiring thorough preparation from citizens.
Tick-borne infectious diseases are illnesses that occur when ticks infected with bacteria or viruses bite people, allowing pathogens to invade the human body. Tick-borne infectious diseases primarily occurring in Korea include Tsutsugamushi disease caused by chiggers and Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) caused by hard ticks. While chiggers are tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, hard ticks are relatively larger and can be identified visually. Chiggers mainly inhabit overgrown areas such as farmlands, farm roads, and residential surroundings, whereas hard ticks are frequently found in environments where wild animals live, such as mountains and fields. Therefore, special caution is needed when engaging in activities in these areas, and contact with wild animals should also be avoided.
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), in particular, occurs intensively between April and November, and its average fatality rate reaches approximately 18.7%, making it lethal. The incubation period is 5 to 14 days, and various symptoms may appear, including fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with altered consciousness, muscle pain, and headaches. If it progresses to a severe stage, it can rapidly worsen into multiple organ failure, making it even more dangerous. As there is currently no specific treatment or vaccine developed for SFTS, adhering to prevention guidelines is the best defense.
Accordingly, Bucheon City emphasized the active participation of citizens in preventing tick-borne infectious diseases, including SFTS. When engaging in outdoor activities, minimize skin exposure by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and cover gaps with arm protectors, gloves, and neckerchiefs. Additionally, using tick repellents as a supplement is effective in preventing ticks from approaching. Repellents should be sprayed on exposed skin or clothing, and it is essential to check the instructions for use and precautions before applying.
During outdoor activities, refrain from taking off clothes or lying down on grassy areas and avoid defecating in grassy fields. After returning home, immediately wash the clothes worn and thoroughly check the entire body for attached ticks. Special attention is needed for areas where ticks can easily hide, such as hair, behind the ears, elbows, and behind the knees. If a tick is found, do not remove it with your hands; instead, use tweezers to grasp the tick's head and slowly pull it out vertically. Contact with wild animals is strictly prohibited, and when walking pets, frequently check for tick attachment and, if necessary, use animal tick prevention products.
Kim Eun-ok, Director of Bucheon City Public Health Center, stated, "If you experience suspicious symptoms such as fever after being bitten by a tick, you should visit a medical institution without delay to receive treatment." She added, "We hope you enjoy safe and healthy outdoor activities by thoroughly observing the prevention guidelines for tick-borne infectious diseases in the summer." For inquiries regarding tick-borne infectious diseases, please contact Bucheon City's Infectious Disease Management Division at 032-625-4142.
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