Home > National > Social Affairs

Year's first case of potentially fatal tick-borne disease confirmed in Ulsan

Published: 23 Apr. 2026, 21:03

The Asian longhorned tick, which transmits severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, is found in Korea, China and Japan [YONHAP]

The first case this year of a potentially deadly tick-borne disease has been confirmed in Ulsan, prompting health authorities to urge caution during outdoor activities.

The patient showed symptoms including a fever and muscle pain on April 14, visited a hospital on Friday, and was confirmed to have severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) on Tuesday, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the Ulsan Metropolitan City government said Thursday.

Authorities found that the patient had recently engaged in gardening, hiking and walking in areas including Nam District and Ulju County in Ulsan and are conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine the exact route of infection.

SFTS is typically reported between April and November after people are bitten by ticks carrying the virus. Symptoms such as high fever of 38 to 40 degrees Celsius (100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can appear within two weeks.

The disease carries a high fatality rate of 18 percent. As of 2025, there have been 2,345 cases and 422 deaths reported since 2013, when it was designated a notifiable infectious disease.

Last year, 280 cases were reported nationwide. North Gyeongsang recorded 45 cases, or 16.1 percent of the cases, followed by Gyeonggi with 42 cases, or 15 percent, and Gangwon with 31 cases, or 11.1 percent. Ulsan reported eight cases, including six patients aged 70 or older and two in their 60s.

Male patients accounted for 51.1 percent with 143 cases, while female patients made up 48.9 percent, or 137 cases, showing little gender difference.

People picnic at Yeouido Hangang Park in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on April 19. [NEWS1]

The infection rates were higher among older populations. By age group, patients aged 70 or older accounted for 156 cases, followed by 73 in their 60s and 32 in their 50s. Fever was reported in 87.5 percent of cases, followed by chills at 31.9 percent, muscle pain at 30.1 percent and diarrhea at 29.4 percent.

The most common symptom was a fever, reported in 87.5 percent of cases, followed by chills at 31.9 percent, muscle pain at 30.1 percent and diarrhea at 29.4 percent.

The primary sources of infection were gardening and agricultural work, including fruit farming, as well as weed removal activities for grave maintenance.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for SFTS, making early detection critical. Medical institutions need to check whether patients with high fever or gastrointestinal symptoms between April and November have engaged in outdoor activities within the previous 15 days.

Health authorities recommend preventive measures such as wearing long sleeves, pants and socks, using insect repellent, avoiding sitting directly on the grass, not placing clothes on the grass, showering and washing clothes immediately after returning home and checking pets for ticks.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY JANG GU-SEUL [[email protected]]