{"id":633,"date":"2026-09-04T16:45:31","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T09:45:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/?p=633"},"modified":"2026-09-04T16:57:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T09:57:45","slug":"sfts-southeastasia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/en\/sfts-southeastasia\/","title":{"rendered":"Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS); An Emerging Zoonotic Threat in Southeast Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_95d321-1d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_95d321-1d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_95d321-1d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_95d321-1d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_95d321-1d\"><strong>Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS)<\/strong> is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by the Dabie bandavirus (formerly SFTS virus), a negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Bandavirus in the family Phenuiviridae (Yu et al., 2011; Kuhn et al., 2021; ICTV, 2024). First identified in China in 2009, SFTS was subsequently reported in Japan and South Korea in 2012, followed by Vietnam in 2017 and Taiwan in 2019, reflecting a clear expansion of the disease across East and Southeast Asia (Chen et al., 2022). This expanding geographic distribution is likely driven by ecological changes influencing tick vectors, animal hosts, and human\u2013animal interactions. Although Thailand has reported only a limited number of confirmed cases, the presence of suitable vectors and wildlife reservoirs suggests a potential risk for further emergence (Charoensakulchai et al., 2025)<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_0d700c-e9\">Reservoirs and Transmission<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e53f34-69\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e53f34-69\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e53f34-69\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_e53f34-69 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e53f34-69\">Transmission of SFTS from animals to humans occurs primarily through tick bites, with the Asian long-horned tick (<em>Haemaphysalis longicornis<\/em>) recognized as the principal vector (Figure 1). This tick is highly adaptable and can maintain the virus through transstadial (life stage to life stage) and transovarial (parent to egg) transmission (Zhuang et al., 2018). The virus circulates in a complex tick\u2013wildlife\u2013livestock cycle, involving a wide range of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, buffaloes, and poultry, as well as birds, rodents, and various wildlife species, which may serve as reservoirs or amplifying hosts (Liu et al., 2014; Kim et al., 2024). Wildlife species such as wild boar, deer, and small mammals are thought to play an important role in maintaining viral circulation in natural ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id633_ac72cc-0d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column633_b6eedc-14 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column633_b6eedc-14\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image633_6f00e3-75 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image633_6f00e3-75\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/28391_lores.jpg?resize=700%2C466&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-637\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Figure 1 Asian longhorned tick <br>(Photo credit: Lauren Bishop, CDC)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_3de60c-84\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_3de60c-84\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_3de60c-84\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_3de60c-84 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_3de60c-84\">Human infection occurs mainly following tick exposure during occupational or outdoor activities. In addition, direct contact with the blood, saliva, or secretions of infected animals can transmit the virus. In Thailand, cases have been linked to contact with sick domestic cats (Rattanakomol et al., 2022). Human transmission is possible via direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a patient, particularly in severe or fatal cases with high viral loads observed in healthcare settings (Miyauchi et al., 2020). However, conclusive evidence for animal-to-human transmission in the absence of tick exposure remains limited. Sexual transmission has also been suggested following detection of SFTSV in semen, although this route remains unconfirmed (Zhang et al., 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_cd8ce7-44\">Clinical Presentation<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_de4ea7-e0\">In humans<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_b5b152-fc\">The incubation period is 6\u201314 days (Liu et al., 2014). Early symptoms include high fever, severe fatigue, headache, and myalgia, followed by thrombocytopenia (low platelets), leukopenia (low white blood cells), and gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Severe cases progress to multi-organ failure and neurological symptoms. The case fatality rate (CFR) is high, ranging from 12% to 30%.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_f782d9-b9\">In animals<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_90845d-62\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_90845d-62\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_90845d-62\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_90845d-62 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_90845d-62\">Generally asymptomatic in livestock; however, domestic cats may show high mortality (up to 60%) and present with fever, lethargy, and jaundice, posing a significant risk to veterinarians.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_865b13-ba\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_865b13-ba\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_865b13-ba\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_865b13-ba wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_865b13-ba\">Diagnostics &amp; Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_024ad1-af\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_024ad1-af\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_024ad1-af\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_024ad1-af wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_024ad1-af\">Diagnosis<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_bae16f-e6\">Early detection is achieved through RT-PCR for viral RNA (active phase) or ELISA\/IFA for IgG\/IgM antibodies. In 2025, rapid CRISPR-based and Lateral Flow assays have entered field testing to provide results in under 20 minutes (Zhu et al., 2025).<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_66f74d-00\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_66f74d-00\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_66f74d-00\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_66f74d-00 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_66f74d-00\">Treatment: <\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8fbd79-d5\">No specific FDA-approved antiviral exists. However, Favipiravir (FPV) was approved in Japan in June 2024 for SFTS treatment. Data from 2025 suggest FPV can reduce the risk ratio of fatality by approximately 50% when administered early.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_979dac-0e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_979dac-0e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_979dac-0e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_979dac-0e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_979dac-0e\">Vaccines<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_8d52b8-19\">As of late 2025, clinical trials (Phase I\/II) for AI-designed mRNA vaccines have commenced in South Korea, funded by CEPI. These vaccines target the Gn and Gc glycoproteins and represent the first human trials for SFTS prevention<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_ffc493-1c\">Individuals at higher risk<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_d15e49-2e\">\u2022 <strong>Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers<\/strong>; due to direct contact with patients, especially exposure to blood or body fluids during care of severe or fatal cases.<br>\u2022 <strong>Veterinarians and veterinary staff<\/strong>; due to close contact with infected domestic or companion animals, particularly cats and dogs, and exposure to body fluids.<br>\u2022 <strong>Wildlife researchers and field biologists<\/strong>; because of frequent exposure to wildlife reservoirs, ticks, and natural habitats where SFTSV circulates.<br>\u2022 <strong>Farmers and forestry workers<\/strong>; owing to occupational activities in tick-infested environments and regular contact with livestock.<br>\u2022 <strong>Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts<\/strong>; as a result of recreational exposure to forested or grassland areas where tick vectors are commonly present.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_e48fa8-e2\">Prevention and control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Tick Bite Prevention<\/strong><br>o Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes when working or traveling in grassy or forested areas.<br>o Use tick repellents containing DEET or permethrin on skin and clothing.<br>o Perform thorough body and clothing checks after outdoor activities and remove ticks promptly.<br>o Implement tick control measures for domestic animals in endemic areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Animal Contact Precautions<\/strong><br>o Avoid direct contact with sick or free-roaming animals, particularly cats and dogs suspected of SFTS infection.<br>o Use gloves and protective clothing when handling animals, animal waste, or body fluids, including urine.<br>o Practice proper hand hygiene after animal contact.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthcare and Occupational Safety<\/strong><br>o Apply standard and contact precautions when caring for suspected or confirmed SFTS patients.<br>o Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns when exposure to blood or body fluids is possible.<br>o Ensure safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Public Health Measures<\/strong><br>o Increase awareness among high-risk populations and healthcare providers.<br>o Promote early diagnosis and supportive management of suspected cases.<br>o Note that no licensed vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is currently available.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_567bcf-7f\">Situation in Thailand<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_9c5d3d-c0\">In Thailand, the first laboratory-confirmed human case of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) was identified in 2019 in Nakhon Pathom Province (Ongkittikul et al., 2020). The patient had a history of tick exposure and close contact with domestic dogs and cats. Subsequent retrospective analysis of RNA samples from 712 patients hospitalized in Bangkok and surrounding provinces between 2018 and 2021 identified three additional confirmed cases: two from Bangkok (in 2019 and 2020) and one from Chachoengsao Province (in 2020) (Rattanakomol et al., 2022).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_a31a33-9d\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading633_39e39e-9b\">Charoensakulchai S, Matsuno K, Nakayama EE, Shioda T, Imad HA. Epidemiological Characteristics of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome. <em>American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene<\/em>. 2025;112(5):956.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chen QL, Zhu MT, Chen N, Yang D, Yin WW, Mu D, et. al. Epidemiological characteristics of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in China, 2011-2021. <em>Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi<\/em>. 2022;43(6):852-9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kim D, Lai CJ, Cha I, Jung JU. Current progress of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) vaccine development. <em>Viruses<\/em>. 2024;16(1):128.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kuhn JH, Adkins S, Agwanda BR, Al Kubrusli R, Alkhovsky SV, Amarasinghe GK, et al. Correction to: 2021 Taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales. <em>Archives of Virology<\/em>. 2021;166(12):3567-79.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Liu Q, He B, Huang SY, Wei F, Zhu XQ. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome, an emerging tick-borne zoonosis. <em>The Lancet Infectious Diseases<\/em>. 2014;14(8):763-72.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miyauchi A, Sada KE, Yamamoto H, Iriyoshi H, Touyama Y, Hashimoto D, et al. Suspected transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus from a cat to a veterinarian by a single contact: a case report. <em>Viruses<\/em>. 2022;14(2):223.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ongkittikul S, Watanawong R, Rompho P. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus: the first case report in Thailand. <em>The Bangkok Medical Journal<\/em>. 2020;16(2):204.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rattanakomol P, Khongwichit S, Linsuwanon P, Lee KH, Vongpunsawad S, Poovorawan Y. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection, Thailand, 2019\u20132020. <em>Emerging Infectious Diseases<\/em>. 2022;28(12):2572.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yu XJ, Liang MF, Zhang SY, Liu Y, Li JD, Sun YL, et al. Fever with thrombocytopenia associated with a novel bunyavirus in China. <em>The New England Journal of Medicine<\/em>. 2011;364(16):1523-32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zhang N, Mu X, Liu J, Liu T. Risk assessment of human-to-human transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus based on 10-year clustered analysis. <em>Frontiers in Public Health<\/em>. 2024;12:1419425.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zhu F, Ma S, Xu Y, Zhou Z, Zhang P, Peng W, et al. Development of a novel multi-epitope mRNA vaccine candidate to combat SFTSV pandemic. <em>PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases<\/em>. 2025;19(1):e0012815.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Zhuang L, Sun Y, Cui XM, Tang F, Hu JG, Wang LY, et al. Transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus by <em>Haemaphysalis longicornis<\/em> ticks, China. <em>Emerging Infectious Diseases<\/em>. 2018;24(5):868.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Asian longhorned tick [Internet]. 2025. Available from: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/livestock-poultry-disease\/cattle\/ticks\/asian-longhorned\">https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/livestock-poultry-disease\/cattle\/ticks\/asian-longhorned<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@priscilladupreez?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Priscilla Du Preez \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/golden-retriever-scratching-its-side-on-wooden-platform-LTgEBaGMctY?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a> and Lauren Bishop on <a href=\"https:\/\/wwwn.cdc.gov\/phil\/Details.aspx?pid=28391\">CDC<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by the Dabie bandavirus (formerly SFTS virus), a negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the genus Bandavirus in the family Phenuiviridae (Yu et al., 2011; Kuhn et al., 2021; ICTV, 2024). First identified in China in 2009, SFTS was subsequently reported in Japan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":635,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS); An Emerging Zoonotic Threat in Southeast Asia","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[22,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-factsheets-en","category-uncategorized-en"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/priscilla-du-preez-LTgEBaGMctY-unsplash.jpg?fit=4541%2C3027&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=633"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":642,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633\/revisions\/642"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vs.mahidol.ac.th\/thailand-nwhc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}