This year, Japan has reported a record number of cases of SFTS, or Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, which is an infectious disease transmitted by ticks. As of now, there have been 135 reported cases nationwide, exceeding the total number of cases from the entire previous year.
The disease is caused by a virus carried by certain types of ticks, which are small arachnids often found in rural and wooded areas. Symptoms can include high fever, low platelet count, and in severe cases, it can lead to serious health complications.
Notably, cases have emerged in regions where the disease had not previously been reported, raising concerns among health officials. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is urging the public to take precautions against tick bites, especially in areas where the disease is known to occur.
Source: www3.nhk.or.jp