Editorial

17:44 JST, August 18, 2025

Tick bites that result in viral infections can occur not only while camping and during other outdoor activities in the mountains, but also while weeding in a garden. Diseases caused by these infections have a high mortality rate and should not be taken lightly.

The number of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) — an infectious disease transmitted by ticks — is on the rise. As of Aug. 3, there were 124 reported cases this year, already approaching the annual record of 134 people in 2023.

Ticks that transmit the SFTS virus live in the mountains and grassy areas. Unlike tiny mites that are barely visible, ticks are several millimeters long.

The virus was first identified in China........

© The Japan News