Tick-borne illnesses have long been a concern in Japan, with diseases like scrub typhus and Japanese spotted fever affecting people. However, recent cases of tick-borne viruses previously unseen in humans have surfaced, leading to conditions like SFTS, Yezo virus, and Oz virus causing fatalities in various regions.
SFTS, with a 27% fatality rate, has been particularly worrisome, with 133 cases reported in 2023. The infections can be contracted outdoors, with some cases even linked to transmission from pets or patients to doctors.
Preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and taking post-outdoor activity baths, are crucial in reducing the risk of tick bites. The availability of therapeutic drugs like Avigan is a positive development in treating tick-borne illnesses, but emphasis remains on prevention as the primary strategy against these infections.
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