SFTS virus, a tick-borne disease to be wary of
SFTS (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) virus, a tick-borne disease to be wary of
What is SFTS Disease?
SFTS viral infection (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) is an emerging disease caused by viruses in the Phlebovirus group. It was first reported in China, then found in Japan, South Korea, and some Asian countries. Currently, the number of infected cases is increasing. This disease can cause severe conditions such as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hepatitis, kidney failure, and may be fatal if not properly treated.
Transmission of the Disease
The SFTS virus is transmitted to humans through tick bites especially tick species found on pets such as dogs and cats. It can also be transmitted from animals to humans through contact with blood or secretions of infected animals. In some cases, it can spread from person to person if there is direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected patient.
Symptoms of SFTS
Patients usually develop symptoms within 1-2 weeks after a tick bite. Key symptoms include
๐ Sudden high fever
๐ Fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
๐ Swollen lymph nodes
๐ Low platelet count causing easy bleeding and petechiae on the skin
๐ In severe cases, hepatitis, kidney failure, neurological abnormalities, and shock may occur
Data from the Department of Disease Control indicates that the mortality rate of SFTS infection may be as high as approximately 10-30%
At-Risk Groups to Watch Out For
๐ Farmers or those working in fields, grasslands, or forests
๐ People who raise animals such as cattle, buffalo, dogs, or cats
๐ People living in areas with high tick populations
๐ Elderly patients and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe disease if infected
Diagnosis and Treatment
1. Doctors will take a history of risk exposure and perform blood tests showing low platelets, low white blood cells, and abnormal liver and kidney function tests.
2. Confirmation of the disease is done by laboratory tests such as Real-time PCR
3. Currently, there is no specific antiviral drug for SFTS Treatment is symptomatic, such as providing fluids, antipyretics, preventing complications, monitoring and managing thrombocytopenia or abnormal bleeding, treating complications such as hepatitis, kidney failure, or shock, and supporting vital organs.
How to Prevent SFTS
Since there is no vaccine for this disease, prevention is the most important, including
๐ Avoid entering areas with high tick populations
๐ Wear fully covering clothing when working outdoors or in fields
๐ Use tick repellents or insecticides
๐ Check your body and bathe after outdoor activities. If ticks are found, remove them immediately
๐ Avoid contact with blood or secretions of pets or patients with suspicious symptoms
SFTS Virus Disease (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) is a severe tick-borne infectious disease with a high mortality rate. Knowing about this disease and how to prevent it can reduce the risk. If you have a high fever, fatigue, or abnormal bleeding spots after a tick bite or have a history of animal contact, you should see a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.
source : PHAYATHAIL 2 Hospital
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team
Independent Writer
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