A recent surge in temperatures has led to a significant spike in the population of ticks known to transmit infectious diseases. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 9 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent surge in temperatures has led to a significant spike in the population of ticks known to transmit infectious diseases, with their occurrence rate increasing by approximately 38% compared to the yearly average, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).
On May 8, the KDCA revealed that the tick index, a measure of the number of ticks per collection device, reached 38.3 in April. This figure represents a 37.5% increase from the annual average between 2020 and 2022 and a 29.6% rise compared to the same period last year.
Ticks are vectors capable of spreading various pathogens, including the virus that causes tick-borne encephalitis and the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. In South Korea, they are particularly notorious for transmitting the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS).
The KDCA attributed the escalation in tick populations to the 1.8°C increase in average temperatures last month compared to the same period in 2022.
Regional analysis showed that areas experiencing more substantial temperature hikes also witnessed higher tick indices. Conversely, Jeju Island and North Gyeongsang Province, where tick prevalence is relatively low, observed temperature increases only 0.4°C higher than other regions.
With forecasts indicating higher-than-average summer temperatures this year, the KDCA warned of a potential rise in tick-borne infectious diseases. “This year, with summer temperatures expected to be higher than usual, the occurrence of tick-borne infectious diseases may also increase,” the agency cautioned.
Health officials urged the public to take preventive measures during outdoor activities, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and showering after being outdoors to mitigate the risk of tick bites.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
