An Ixodes scapularis tick, nicknamed the “killer tick” for transmitting severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). The disease-carrying tick, which is hard to see, has already spread across the country. (Yonhap)
CHEONGJU, Sept. 29 (Korea Bizwire) –The number of diseases that can be spread by ticks and rats is increasing, and those traveling during the Chuseok holiday should be extra careful. It’s also important to be cautious about getting stung by bees, which can be very harmful.
In the forested region of Chungcheongbuk-do, there has been a significant increase in cases of scrub typhus in the past three years. In 2020, there were 67 cases, but in 2021, there were 118 cases, and in 2022, there were 125 cases. These statistics were provided by the CDC’s infection portal.
Scrub typhus is caused by tiny mites and usually occurs in the fall when these mites are active. Over the past three years, 84.5 percent of cases (262 cases) have been reported in October and November. Symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and can include a headache, fever, chills, vomiting, and skin issues.
Another common fall illness is leptospirosis, which is caused by contact with the feces of infected rats, dogs, and cattle. The number of cases has also been rising, going from six cases in 2020 to 14 cases in 2021 and 16 cases last year. Symptoms typically show up after a seven to 12-day incubation period and can include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, and red eyes.
To prevent these diseases, health officials recommend minimizing skin exposure when outdoors. This means wearing long-sleeved clothing and tucking pants into socks to avoid contact with disease-carrying creatures. It’s also important to stay away from stagnant water, as it may be contaminated with animal waste.
Additionally, those in natural settings like during graveside services should be cautious of bees and snakes, which can be easily encountered. According to the Chungbuk Provincial Fire and Rescue Center, there have been 446 bee stings and 37 snake bites in the province so far this year.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
