As the number of domestic infections of Lyme disease, known as an endemic disease in North America, has increased significantly, it has been pointed out that Lyme disease-borne ticks have already been indigenous in Korea.
According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 45 patients with Lyme disease were found in Korea last year. Among them, 36 people were infected in Korea, eight patients from overseas, and one patient whose path of infection was unknown.
is a common zoonotic disease caused by ticks biting the human skin, causing Borrelia bacteria to penetrate the body. Causing Borrelia Bacterium Is Sold 'Picirochetta' Causing SyphilisIt is also called the "second AIDS" because it belongs to the same family as the fungus.
If proper treatment is not received at the beginning, the bacteria spread to several organs, causing encephalitis, peripheral neuropathy, myocarditis, arrhythmia and musculoskeletal pain. People with weakened immune systems can die.
Courtesy of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The number of Lyme disease infections in Korea decreased to 23 in 2019, 18 in 2020, 8 in 2021, 22 in 2022, and 45 last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is increasing again. Among them, 12 patients were infected in 2019, 14 in 2020, 6 in 2021, 16 in 2022, and 36 last year.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted the recent increase in the number of domestic patients. In the past five years, 72.4% of Lyme disease patients in Korea have been infected in Korea, up from 56.4% in 2011 to 2018. In particular, the proportion of infected people in Korea increased significantly from 2020 to 52.2% in 2019, 77.8% in 2020, 75% in 2021, 72.7% in 2022, and 80% last year.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said, "It can be seen that Lyme disease-borne ticks have already been indigenous in Korea due to climate factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation," adding, "In the future, the number of domestic cases and areas where they occur is expected to increase due to climate change."
On the other hand, it is most important not to be bitten by ticks to prevent Lyme disease. It is essential to prepare for outdoor activities, such as wearing long clothes and using tick repellent. After returning from the outdoors, you should check your body carefully to make sure you are not bitten by ticks, and it is important to quickly remove tick bites and visit medical institutions to receive appropriate measures.
Reporter Park Sun-young of Digital News Team
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