[Epidemiological Characteristics of Cases and Deaths of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), 2022].

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a vector-borne and zoonotic diseases caused by ticks. It has been classified as a third-class legal communicable disease and is managed in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, the purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of SFTS patients and deaths in 2022 in order to identify variables that require intensive management and enhance prevention and management measures based on these findings. In 2022, cases were reported between April and November. Around 49.7% of the patients were engaged in farming activities, while 45.1% were involved in other outdoor activities such as collecting forest products, hiking, walking, and camping. Patients visited the hospital due to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and digestive system. It was observed that patients with underlying diseases faced a higher risk of death. SFTS is an infectious disease with a high mortality rate (18.7% in the ROK from 2013 to 2022), yet no vaccine or treatment exists. Therefore, preventive measures should be followed to avoid tick exposure. Especially considering the pattern of occurrence, prevention and promotion projects are needed, including not only farmers, who are known to be high-risk groups, but also populations with frequent outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, and camping. Additionally, further research is necessary to investigate the correlation between climate change and SFTS occurrence, as well as the scope and mechanisms of underlying diseases that correspond to high-risk groups.