The number of patients with tsutsugamushi, a tick-borne infectious disease, has been increasing rapidly this month.
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), there were 117 cases of tsutsugamosis from the 9th to the 15th of this month, 2.7 times that of 43 the previous week.
Tsutsugamushi is an acute febrile disease transmitted by the larvae of hair mites.
After September, when the hair mite larvae begin to become active, the number of patients gradually increases, and 70% of the total annual patients are concentrated in October and November.
To avoid tick bites, you need to be especially careful when doing outdoor activities or agricultural work during the fall foliage season.
Minimize exposure to ticks by wearing bright colored long-sleeved clothing, hats, kerchiefs, and socks, and use a mat when sitting in the grass.
If you are bitten by a tick larva infected with Tsutsugamushi, a black scab is formed at the bite site with high fever, chills, muscle pain, and rash within 1 to 3 weeks of incubation period.
Since tsutsugamushi can be cured with appropriate antibiotic treatment at an early stage of infection, the quarantine authorities emphasized the importance of prompt diagnosis and early treatment.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said, "Since the symptoms of tsutsugamushi are similar to the initial symptoms of COVID-19 or a cold, if you are sick, you should visit a treatment facility as soon as possible to receive timely treatment."
(Photo = provided by Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)