South Korea's health authorities said Saturday that there have been no confirmed cases of the killer tick virus that has caused health problems in neighboring countries.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said while five people showed symptoms similar to those of SFTS, or severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome caused by a virus carried by ticks, it is still in the process of checking if they have been actually infected. The cases reported in the country involved people living in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, North Jeolla Province and Jeju Island.
Of the five, a 73-year-old farmer, identified only by his surname Kang died Thursday in Jeju after being treated at an intensive care unit. Two others are in critical condition while two have gone home after their condition improved.
SFTS causes high fever, diarrhea, vomiting and consciousness degradation, and in serious cases, death. There are reports that a number of people in China and Japan succumbed to the infection.
"Samples from those suspected to have come down with SFTS have been sent to the Korea National Institute of Health for detailed analysis with the findings to come out next week," a KCDC official said.
The center then said that while it was not well publicized, ticks found in the country have already been found to carry the potentially lethal virus.
The government has said that it will be advisable stay out of thicket areas and to wear long sleeves and pants when enjoying outdoor activities.