Summer is peak tick season and the advice from the government for anyone venturing outdoors is use repellent and cover up. This advice is particularly important in provinces such as Gangwon-do which has reported the highest rates of a viral infection transmitted by the arachnids, Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome. Countrywide this year there have been 46 cases and 11 deaths due to SFTS. SFTS is an emerging infection in the region with increasing reports in South Korea since it was first identified there in 2012. Read more
Advice for travellers
SFTS causes symptoms including high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and multiple organ failure. The virus has a 6%–30% case-fatality rate and there is no effective vaccine. Read more about SFTS.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.