2. SFTS infection likely passes from patient to medical worker
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome is potentially fatal

Officials are warning local medical workers to take special care when they treat patients with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, saying that one of their colleagues has likely become infected with the illness through a patient.

The provincial government says the medical worker at a local hospital came down with a fever and the chills, and eventually tested positive for the SFTS virus.

Upon further investigation, researchers determined that the viruses in both the caregiver and his or her patient were identical. They strongly suspect the caregiver contracted the illness from the patient.

The province says that if damaged skin comes into any contact with body fluids from a confirmed or suspected SFTS patient, it must be immediately and thoroughly washed with soap and water. They are also encouraging anyone who comes down with a fever to seek treatment at a hospital.

SFTS 2차 감염 추정 환자 발생

제주에서 SFTS 중증열소혈소판증후군 환자를 치료하던 의료진이 2차 감염된 것으로 추정돼 각별한 주의가 요구되고 있습니다.

제주특별자치도는 모 병원에서 SFTS 감염환자를 간호하던 의료진 A씨가 발열과 오한 등 SFTS 증세를 보여 검사를 실시했는데 '양성' 판정을 받았다고 밝혔습니다.

A씨는 자신이 돌보던 감염환자와 염기서열이 100% 일치해 2차 감염된 것으로 제주도는 추정하고 있습니다.

제주도는 SFTS로 의심되는 환자의 혈액이나 체액, 분비물, 배설물 등에 손상된 피부가 노출될 경우 즉시 비누와 물로 씻어내야 하며 발열이 발생할 경우 병원진료를 받아야 한다고 당부하고 있습니다.