Japan: Tick-borne virus (SFTS)

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15874192


1st tick-borne virus infection of pet dog reported in Ibaraki
By TAKAHIRO TAKENOUCHI/ Staff Writer
June 30, 2025 at 15:53 JST

A pet dog in Ibaraki Prefecture has been confirmed to have contracted a potentially fatal tick-transmitted disease, according to sources, as the risk of infection in pets is likely increasing.

The severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks and causes fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

The fatality rate for humans is 30 percent, 40 percent for dogs and 60 percent for cats.

Also in Ibaraki Prefecture, a pet cat infection, believed to be the first in the Kanto region, was confirmed in May.

Prefectural officials are expected to soon announce the two cases.

“I was aware that SFTS had been confirmed in Ibaraki Prefecture, so when I saw the test result, I felt that (the dog) had tested positive after all,” said a veterinarian who treated the infected canine.​..
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[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15913819


Kanagawa woman develops SFTS after being bitten by a tick
By TOMOKO ADACHI/ Staff Writer
July 18, 2025 at 15:00 JST

The Kanagawa prefectural government is urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if bitten by a tick following the prefecture's first human case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. (Provided by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases)

Kanagawa prefectural officials announced on July 17 that a woman in her 60s has contracted a tick-borne disease and believe transmission occurred near her home, making this the first human case reported in the Kanto region.

The resident of Matsuda, Kanagawa Prefecture, developed symptoms including fever and diarrhea on June 28 before being hospitalized.

A genetic test conducted by the Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health confirmed she had severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a viral infection transmitted by ticks.​..
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