SFTS exerts an underrecognized disease burden and socioeconomic effect in East Asia

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne virus that poses a growing public health concern, especially in East Asia. However, its global distribution, disease burden, and economic impact remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, we have systematically reviewed literature databases, GenBank, and official reports to provide a comprehensive overview of global SFTSV detections. Seropositive or nucleic acid-positive individuals have been reported not only in East Asia, but also in Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Kenya. In addition, SFTSV has been identified in ten animal orders and in both ticks and other arthropod vectors. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) have shown an increasing trend across East Asia. China recorded the highest absolute DALYs, exceeding those of other neglected tropical diseases, such as dengue fever. The average cost per SFTS case was substantial, exceeding 75 % of the annual per capita disposable income in China, and 41.38 % and 23.52 % in Japan and South Korea, respectively. These findings highlight the expanding distribution of SFTSV and its significant per-case disease and economic burden in East Asia.