Tick-borne disease cases, with one death, confirmed in Kanto region

Japan Times

3 days ago

Cases of tick-borne diseases have been reported in the Kanto region, with one confirmed death, prompting prefectural governments to urge residents to be vigilant.
Of particular concern is 'severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome' (SFTS), which is primarily transmitted through ticks infected with the virus. The incubation period ranges from 6 days to 2 weeks, with symptoms including fever and diarrhea. SFTS has a fatality rate of 27%.
On Monday, a woman in her 60s from Suruga Ward, Shizuoka Prefecture, died from SFTS, said Ryutaro Yagi, an official at the infectious diseases division of the Shizuoka City Public Health Center.
This is the first confirmed death from SFTS in the prefecture since statistics began being compiled in 2013, said Junya Noda, a prefectural official.
The woman began experiencing fever, fatigue and digestive issues on June 16. She was hospitalized on June 19 and died shortly after being diagnosed with SFTS.
There were no visible tick bites, and the route of infection remains unknown, Yagi said, adding that Shizuoka City is 'urging residents to take preventive measures.'
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when entering grassy areas helps reduce skin exposure, the health ministry said, while bright-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
The health ministry added that the risk of tick bites increases from spring to fall, when ticks are most active.
Other cases of tick-borne diseases have also been reported in Shizuoka Prefecture. A man in his 60s from Tenryu Ward in the city of Hamamatsu visited a medical institution on June 19 with symptoms including fever, and was diagnosed with SFTS on Monday, according to the city's health center.
While the route of infection remains unclear, three tick bites could be seen on the man's body. A city official noted that there is a high possibility that the man got infected while farming.
Ticks can also carry a disease known as 'Japanese spotted fever,' with symptoms including high fever and a rash. In Shizuoka Prefecture, a woman in her 80s died last month from the disease, and as of June 13, eight cases of infection have been confirmed, Noda said.
Tick-borne diseases can be fatal for pets. In the city of Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture, a cat died after being infected with SFTS last month, according to the city's official website. Residents were urged by the city to keep pets indoors and take precautions to reduce the risk of infection.