Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Travellers

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was first recognized in eastern China in 2009. A novel bunyavirus, severe fever thrombocytopenia virus (SFTSV), was identified as the causative agent. Japan, South Korea and Vietnam have also reported domestic SFTS cases since then. SFTS is perceived as a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever that has recently emerged in East Asia. Treatment is generally supportive. There are no licensed vaccines available. As of the end of 2023, there have been no SFTS cases reported in international travellers. Given that SFTS endemic hilly and mountainous areas are geographically limited and far from eastern Asia’s urban centers, the risk of contracting the disease is generally low in international travellers.