Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome or SFTS is a hemorrhagic fever with a high mortality rate in humans. It is caused by the bite of an infected tick and endemic in Eastern Asia.
This disease is of concern because no effective therapies or vaccines are available, while the number of cases increases significantly each year.
200
PEOPLE
New infections per year
/
20
%
Fatal
/
40
PEOPLE
Dead per year
What causes SFTS
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome is a viral disease, caused by the Dabie bandavirus. It has a high mortality rate in humans, between 12 and 30 %.
It is spread mostly by Asian longhorn ticks, also know as bush ticks or cattle ticks.
The disease can also be transmitted between people. Those working in rural areas, especially farmers, people with high levels of interaction with animals, and hospital staff attending to positive patients are at risk of acquiring the disease.
Where is SFTS found
The Asian longhorned tick is native to temperate areas of East and Central Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan, as well as Pacific islands. The disease is at this moment limited to Eastern China but has been reported in 23 Chinese provinces, South Korea and Japan.
It was first discovered between late March and mid-July 2009 in rural areas of Hubei and Henan provinces in Central China.
What are the symptoms of SFTS
The most common clinical symptoms include fever, nausea, diarrhea, muscle pain, and bleeding associated with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), leucopenia (low white blood cell count), multiple organ failure, and elevated liver enzyme levels.
How can SFTS be prevented
Avoid contact with ticks. Wear long trousers in wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
How is SFTS diagnosed
Diagnosis is done with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, such as the ones made available by the WoIDM.
How is SFTS Fever treated
No specific treatment exists, other than managing the patient based on symptoms. Antivirals such as ribavirin can be used to treat the disease.
Edited by: Jess Cambré
Follow us
While you are here, help us with
Access to Essential Drugs
One third of children, women and men have no access to essential medicines, putting lives at risk. Hospitals frequently run out of medicines and other essential supplies. Our Med-Aid program connects hospitals with aid and ensures that they receive exactly what they need.
Access to Diagnostics
Much of today’s innovation is either not reaching or not suitable for people in developing countries.
Data to Improve Health
Faster and reactive systems to help provide lifesaving support to vulnerable communities.
Support our work. It only takes a minute but makes a world of difference!
With your help we can bring modern diagnostics and essential medicines to people in need, track disease outbreaks better and help prevent future pandemics.
You may also be interested these articles
