Thailand Steps Up Surveillance for Tick-Borne SFTS After Six Cases Reported

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) is calling for strengthened surveillance of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a potentially serious tick-borne viral disease, after six cases have been recorded in the country.

On September 13, the DDC’s Division of Epidemiology published guidelines for the surveillance and investigation of SFTS, which is caused by Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV).

SFTSV is an RNA virus belonging to the genus Bandavirus in the family Phenuiviridae, with ticks serving as an important vector for transmission.

The incubation period is approximately 4 - 15 days, with an average of around nine days.

High Fever and Low Platelet Counts Among Key Symptoms

Patients with SFTS commonly develop sudden high fever, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and leukopenia (low white blood cell count).

Some patients may develop serious complications, including acute kidney injury, myocarditis, meningitis or encephalitis, as well as bleeding involving mucous membranes.

According to the Division of Epidemiology, reported fatality rates for SFTS have varied considerably, ranging from approximately 2.7% to 55.7%.

The disease has been reported particularly in East Asian countries, including China, South Korea and Japan.

Thailand Has Recorded Six SFTS Cases

Thailand reported its first SFTS case in 2019, while the most recently reported case occurred in June 2025, according to the Department of Disease Control.

The country has recorded six cumulative cases.

The cases were reported in Bangkok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Pathom and Chachoengsao.

The Department of Disease Control has not indicated that Thailand is currently experiencing an SFTS outbreak. However, health authorities are strengthening surveillance because conditions in the country could support the detection of additional cases.

Thailand Faces Several Potential Risk Factors

The DDC identified several factors that could increase the risk of SFTS cases in Thailand.

These include environmental conditions favorable to tick populations, contact with domestic animals, the importation of animals from other countries and travel to areas where SFTS transmission has been reported.

These factors mean Thailand could potentially detect new cases or localized transmission in the future.

Health authorities are therefore calling on relevant agencies to strengthen disease surveillance, early detection, case investigation, prevention and control measures to limit potential transmission and reduce future public health impacts.

The latest guidance highlights the importance of maintaining awareness of emerging and tick-borne diseases, particularly as international travel, animal movement and environmental conditions can influence the geographical distribution of infectious diseases.

 

Source : Department of Disease Control