Severe fever with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (SFTS): epidemiology, outbreaks and guidance

摘要

Comprehensive guidance covering the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of severe fever with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (SFTS), an emerging tick-borne viral disease.

詳細內容

This guidance document provides detailed information on severe fever with thrombocytopaenia syndrome (SFTS), covering the epidemiology, symptoms, diagnosis and management of this emerging infectious disease.

About SFTS: SFTS is a tick-borne viral disease caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), a phlebovirus in the Bunyaviridae family. The disease is characterized by:

Severe fever
Thrombocytopaenia (low platelet count)
Leucopenia (low white blood cell count)
Multi-organ dysfunction
High case-fatality rate (12-30%)

Epidemiology:

Endemic in East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea)
Tick-borne transmission (primarily Haemaphysalis longicornis)
Seasonal pattern (April to October, peak in summer)
Person-to-person transmission possible through blood contact
Occupational risk for agricultural workers and those in rural areas

Clinical presentation:

Incubation period: 6-14 days
Initial symptoms: High fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms
Progression: Hemorrhagic manifestations, neurological symptoms
Laboratory findings: Thrombocytopaenia, leucopenia, elevated liver enzymes

Diagnosis and management:

PCR testing for SFTSV
Supportive care (no specific antiviral treatment)
Monitoring for complications
Infection prevention and control measures

Relevance for UK: While SFTS is not endemic in the UK, the guidance is important for:

Diagnosing imported cases in travelers from endemic areas
Awareness among healthcare providers
Travel health advice for those visiting affected regions

摘要

詳細內容

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