South Korea Reports First SFTS Case of 2025, Health Officials Urge Caution
South Korea has reported its first case this year of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or SFTS. It is a tick-borne disease with a high fatality rate and no preventive vaccine or specific treatment.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said the patient is a woman in her 80s from Namwon, North Jeolla Province. She was bitten by a tick while working on a farm and later showed symptoms like fever, vomiting, tiredness, and loss of appetite. She tested positive for SFTS.
SFTS usually spreads through tick bites, but it can also be passed from person to person through contact with infected blood. Most cases happen from April to November. Symptoms include high fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and typically appear within two weeks. In severe cases, the illness can cause a drop in white blood cells and platelets, which can lead to death.
Since 2013, South Korea has reported 2,065 cases and 381 deaths, with a fatality rate of 18.5%.
The agency advises people to wear long sleeves and pants outdoors and to use insect repellent. “Prevention is key,” officials said.
J.K. Park Staff Reporter junior/1747032430/1613367801
1. How did the woman get infected with SFTS?
2. What are some symptoms of SFTS mentioned in the article?
3. During which months do most SFTS cases occur?
4. What does the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency suggest for prevention?
1. What would you do to protect yourself from tick bites?
2. Why is it important to report new disease cases quickly?
3. What would you say to someone who doesn’t want to wear long clothes in warm weather?
4. What other ways could the government help protect people from SFTS?
South Korea has reported its first case this year of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, or SFTS. It is a tick-borne disease with a high fatality rate and no preventive vaccine or specific treatment.
