Emerging risk of tick-borne diseases in South Korea: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis

Tick-borne diseases are an emerging public health concern in South Korea, driven by climate change, ecological shifts, and increasing contact between humans, wildlife, and companion animals. This review aimed to provide an updated synthesis of 3 tick-borne infections of concern-Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. Relevant literature, national surveillance data, and international guidelines were reviewed to describe pathogen characteristics, tick ecology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and climate-related risk. Evidence indicates that <i>Ixodes nipponensis</i> and <i>Haemaphysalis longicornis</i> are widely distributed and carry medically important pathogens. Reports of pathogen detection in humans, ticks, and animals suggest a growing ecological risk. Limited clinical awareness, insufficient diagnostic capacity, and underdeveloped surveillance systems remain major challenges. Climate change is expected to further extend tick activity periods, broaden their geographic distribution, and elevate infection risks. Strengthening diagnostic capabilities, integrating human-animal-environment data within a One Health framework, and advancing preventive strategies are critical to reducing the future burden of tick-borne diseases in South Korea.