South Korea begins tick surveillance to prevent autumn scrub typhus outbreaks

As autumn approaches, South Korea's health authorities have initiated nationwide monitoring for bush ticks, the vectors for scrub typhus, to mitigate the anticipated rise in infections.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) will conduct surveillance for bush ticks across 18 sites for 16 weeks, from August 26 to December 16. Findings will be published weekly on the KDCA's infectious disease portal.

Scrub typhus is a disease transmitted by the larvae of bush ticks carrying the bacteria. South Korea reports 3,000 to 6,000 cases annually, with a concentration of infections during October and November when tick activity increases. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, rash, and muscle pain, often accompanied by a characteristic black eschar at the bite site. While treatable with antibiotics if caught early, delayed treatment can lead to complications such as meningoencephalitis and hearing loss.

Eight species of bush ticks known to transmit scrub typhus are present in South Korea. The survey aims to track the prevalence of key species like *Leptotrombidium scutellare* in southern regions and *Himalaiascaris kashmirensis* in northern areas. Tick larvae are parasitic only during their larval stage, feeding on the bodily fluids of humans and animals. They hatch from eggs laid in the summer, coinciding with increased outdoor activities like farming, harvesting, and autumn foliage viewing.

KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-gwan advised the public to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves during outdoor activities and agricultural work. He also stressed the importance of showering and washing clothes immediately upon returning home to prevent tick bites and subsequent infections.

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When engaging in agricultural work or outdoor activities during autumn, wear clothing that minimizes skin exposure, such as long sleeves and long pants, and gloves. Upon returning home, shower immediately and wash your clothes. Thoroughly adhere to these preventive measures.