First case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection via needle-stick injury in Korea

We report a case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus infection acquired through percutaneous exposure in a healthcare setting. A nephrologist sustained a needle-stick injury while inserting a dialysis catheter into a patient with SFTS, who subsequently died the next day. Four days after the injury, the physician developed fever and was diagnosed with SFTS. The incubation period was 4 days, shorter than that typically observed in infections acquired through tick bites or healthcare-associated outbreaks. He recovered without complications. Strict adherence to standard precautions is essential to prevent occupational SFTS exposure.