Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by Dabie bandavirus, is a serious tick-borne zoonotic disease. It is characterized by high fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and a high case fatality rate. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available.
Recent notable cases
- April 2025 – South Jeolla, South Korea: First fatal case of the year – an elderly woman bitten by a tick while working in the fields.
- June 2025 – Cheongju, South Korea: Hospital outbreak – seven healthcare workers infected during resuscitation of a patient with SFTS. All recovered.
- June 2025 – Mie Prefecture, Japan: First veterinarian death suspected to be due to animal-to-human transmission (contact with infected cats). This case has caused great concern within the Japanese veterinary community.
Cumulative data in South Korea (2013–2024)
- Cases: 2,065
- Deaths: 381
- Case fatality rate: 18.5%
Context
The Japan Veterinary Medical Association has stressed the importance of using appropriate PPE when handling potentially infected animals and taking extreme precautions with biological fluids.
Japan has reported over 1,000 human cases since 2013, with mortality rates of up to 27% in humans and 62% in cats.
Key recommendations
- Rural and public settings: Protective clothing, repellents, and full-body checks after outdoor activities.
- Healthcare and veterinary settings: Strict PPE use, avoid contact with fluids from suspected animals, safe handling of carcasses.
- Risk communication: Preventive campaigns targeting rural communities and exposed professionals.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12309736/
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/4/466
