Abstract

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen that has become an important public health concern in East and Southeast Asia. Since its identification in China in 2009, the virus has been reported in several neighboring countries, with evidence suggesting a potential risk of further geographic expansion. SFTSV belongs to the genus Bandavirus within the family Phenuiviridae and possesses a three-segmented, negative-sense RNA genome that contributes to viral evolution, reassortment, and host adaptation. Transmission primarily occurs through ticks, particularly Haemaphysalis longicornis, although rare human-to-human transmission associated with close contact or nosocomial exposure has also been documented. A wide range of domestic and wild animals may act as reservoir or amplifying hosts, supporting viral maintenance in nature and facilitating zoonotic spillover. Ecological and anthropogenic factors, including climate variability, land-use change, agricultural intensification, and animal movement, may further contribute to vector expansion and disease emergence. Clinically, SFTSV infection is characterized by acute fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and, in severe cases, multiorgan failure with relatively high case-fatality rates. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the virology, epidemiology, transmission dynamics, host range, vector ecology, and environmental drivers associated with SFTSV. The review also critically discusses current limitations in surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and epidemiological evidence related to global spread risk. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health sectors to strengthen surveillance, prevention, and future outbreak preparedness.

Key words: Asia; Haemaphysalis longicornis; One Health; SFTSV; Virus.