Health Officials Warn of Fatal Tick-Borne Virus After Two Deaths

Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has issued a public warning about Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne viral infection, after confirming three cases and two deaths so far this year. Officials said most of those infected were over 50 and had recent contact with pets or other animals, including tick bites or crushing ticks by hand. The virus spreads mainly through tick bites from animals such as dogs, cats, and livestock, and health authorities are urging anyone with an unexplained high fever after animal contact to seek medical care promptly and mention the exposure to their doctor.