Understanding SFTS: The Dangerous Tick-Borne Dog Fever Transmissible to Humans

Being bitten by a tick is not just a nuisance but can lead to infection with the SFTS virus (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome), also known as tick-borne dog fever, a zoonotic disease with reported cases and deaths in Thailand.

For dog or cat owners and nature enthusiasts, learning how to protect yourself from tick bites and recognizing early warning signs can reduce serious health risks.

What is tick-borne dog fever (SFTS) in humans?

It is a viral infection causing symptoms of high fever and low platelet count (SFTS), commonly known simply as"tick-borne dog fever."It results from being bitten by ticks that carry the virus. These ticks feed on various animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, buffalo, and wildlife, and when they bite humans, they can transmit the virus to the person.

Recently, Professor Yong Poovorawan, head of the Clinical Virology Specialty Center at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, stated that this disease occurs in Thailand, with 53 cumulative cases and 5 deaths reported as of September 2026. Beyond transmission by tick bites, it can also spread between people through contact with infected patients’ blood or bodily secretions.

When to seek medical attention for tick-borne dog fever symptoms?

If you or someone close has been bitten by a tick and within 1-2 weeks develops these symptoms, monitor closely and seek medical care immediately.

• Sudden high fever
• Severe fatigue and muscle pain
• Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Skin bleeding spots or nosebleeds (due to low platelet count)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• In severe cases, this can lead to organ failure and death.

Comparison table of early symptoms: Tick-borne illness in pets versus humans

How to protect yourself and pets from ticks

The best prevention is to avoid tick bites by following the Department of Disease Control's recommendations:

• Protecting pets Use regular tick and flea prevention drops, tablets, or collars for dogs and cats, and check hidden areas on the animals frequently.
• Wear protective clothing When entering forests, damp grassy areas, or gardens that might harbor ticks, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, closed shoes, and apply insect repellent.
• Never crush ticks with bare hands If ticks are found on pets or in the environment, do not crush them with bare hands as pathogens may enter the body through wounds on the hands.
• Proper tick removal method If a tick is attached to human skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible, then slowly pull straight up without twisting. Afterwards, clean the wound with soap and water and apply alcohol.

Tick-borne dog fever or SFTS is a silent but serious threat that should not be overlooked due to its severe symptoms and potential lethality. Prevention starting from caring for pets and their environment is crucial. If bitten by a tick and developing a high fever, seek medical care immediately and inform your doctor about the tick bite for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

References

• Professor Yong Poovorawan, head of the Clinical Virology Specialty Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University (updated September 2026).
• Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health