As outdoor activities increase during the fall, including farming, grass cutting, and hiking, special caution is advised against scrub typhus, which is transmitted by ticks.
The Gwangju Metropolitan City has urged residents to wear long clothing and use tick repellents during outdoor activities, as cases of scrub typhus tend to spike in the fall.
Scrub typhus is a Class 3 infectious disease caused by bites from larvae of the trombiculid mite, which carries the scrub typhus bacterium. In South Korea, 3,000 to 6,000 cases are reported annually, with a notable increase in cases during October and November when mite activity is at its peak.
In Gwangju, a similar trend was observed last year, with a total of 545 reported cases of scrub typhus, 77.4% of which, or 422 cases, occurred in October and November.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is monitoring tick populations at 18 locations nationwide for 16 weeks until December 16 in preparation for the peak season.
Gwangju City will also collaborate with health and environmental research institutes to continuously monitor tick activity and enhance prevention education and outreach for high-risk groups, including farmers and the elderly, through local health centers.
Last year's monitoring revealed that the trombiculid mite, which can transmit the scrub typhus bacterium, was primarily found in southern regions such as Jeonnam and Gyeongnam. This highlights the importance of preventing tick bites during the busy fall harvest season.
To prevent infection, it is crucial to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, high socks, gloves, and hats to minimize skin exposure during outdoor activities. Using tick repellents on shoes, socks, and pants according to the instructions can also be beneficial.
Avoid sitting or lying directly on grass. If necessary, use a mat, and after outdoor activities, shake out clothing, wash them, and shower while checking for any signs of bites.
Symptoms of scrub typhus typically appear within 10 days of infection and may include fever, headache, chills, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. A characteristic symptom is the black scab that forms at the site of the tick bite.
If symptoms such as fever or rash develop after outdoor activities, or if a scab is found, it is important to visit a health center or medical facility and inform healthcare providers about any recent outdoor activities.
Jeong Kwang-seon, head of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Health and Welfare Bureau, emphasized the importance of following preventive measures to avoid tick bites. He urged residents to adopt these precautions during outdoor activities such as farming, grass cutting, and hiking.
He also advised that if fever or rash appears within 10 days after outdoor activities, or if a black scab is found, individuals should promptly visit a medical facility and inform healthcare providers of their outdoor activity history.
Meanwhile, Gwangju City plans to intensively promote scrub typhus prevention measures through village broadcasts, electronic billboards, websites, social media, and community centers, especially during the fall when outdoor activities increase, to encourage prompt medical visits for suspected symptoms.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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