A new infection disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), caused by a tick-borne virus has killed seven and infected at least 60 in China.
What is SFTS Virus?
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) belongs to the Bunyavirus family and is transmitted to humans through tick bites.
The virus was first identified in China over a decade ago. The first few cases were reported in rural areas of Hubei and Henan provinces in 2009.
Prime vector: Asian tick called Haemaphysalis longicornis is the primary vector, or carrier, of the virus.
Who are vulnerable? Farmers, hunters, and pet owners regularly come in contact with animals that may carry the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick.
Transmission: Scientists have found that the virus is often transmitted to humans from animals like goats, cattle, deer, and sheep.
Despite being infected by the virus, animals generally do not show any symptoms associated with SFTSV.
What are Ticks?
Ticks are blood-sucking bugs, living by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.
They are mostly found in bushes, grass, and shrubs. The eight-legged bugs are arachnids –related to spiders.
According to the WHO, ticks are vectors of a large number of diseases including
New tick-borne virus in China
Context:
A new infection disease called Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), caused by a tick-borne virus has killed seven and infected at least 60 in China.
What is SFTS Virus?
What are Ticks?