Appearance of adult ixodid tick at developmental stages. Photo by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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, ‘ The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned of infections caused by the adult ixodid tick as it is expected that the summer temperatures will be higher than usual this year. ‘,
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, ‘ According to the results of the adult ixodid tick surveillance program that started in April, the adult ixodid tick index increased by 37.5% compared to the average year and by 29.6% compared to the previous year. ‘,
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Adult ixodid tick index: Total number of adult ixodid ticks collected/Total number of collection devices. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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, ‘ The main cause of this increase in adult ixodid tick infestation is attributed to the average temperature in April rising by 1.8℃ compared to last year. ‘,
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, ‘ In particular, except for Jeju Island and Gyeongsangbuk-do, the adult ixodid tick index significantly increased in all regions. The temperature rise in these areas was 2.0℃, higher than Jeju Island and Gyeongsang-do (1.6℃). ‘,
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Regional distribution of adult ixodid ticks in 2024. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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, ‘ The adult ixodid tick is a vector that transmits various pathogens such as viruses (severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), tick-borne encephalitis), bacteria (Lyme disease), and rickettsia (Q fever). It is known to transmit diseases such as SFTS and Lyme disease in Korea. ‘,
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, ‘ SFTS, also known as the “killer tick,” has no vaccine or cure. ‘,
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, ‘ According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since the first SFTS patient was reported in Korea in 2013, a total of 1895 patients have been reported until 2023. Among them, 355 have died, with a fatality rate of 18.7%. ‘,
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SFTSV-transmitting adult ixodid ticks. A: Haemaphysalis longicornis, B: Haemaphysalis flava, C: Ixodes nipponensis, D: Amblyomma testudinarium. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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, ‘ The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants during agricultural work or outdoor activities, and checking for adult ixodid ticks on the body after outdoor activities. ‘,
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, ‘ Additionally, it is difficult to remove adult ixodid ticks directly from the body, and there is a risk of secondary infection, so it is recommended to visit a medical facility for safe removal to avoid potential complications. ‘,
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