Health First case of tick-borne virus found in pet dog in Ibaraki

A pet dog in Ibaraki Prefecture has been diagnosed with a potentially deadly tick-borne illness amid growing concerns that the risk of infection among domestic animals is on the rise, according to sources. The disease, known as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), is a zoonotic virus spread by ticks and causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Fatality rates vary by species, with approximately 30% in humans, 40% in dogs, and up to 60% in cats. In the same prefecture, a case involving a pet cat—believed to be the first of its kind in the Kantō region—was also confirmed in May. Authorities in Ibaraki are expected to announce both cases officially soon.

According to the veterinarian and prefectural officials, the dog with confirmed SFTS is a 3-year-old, midsize male. The dog enjoys mountain climbing and trekking with his owner. It had also been in the mountains in early June. The dog was brought to the veterinary clinic on June 13 with symptoms of fever exceeding 40 degrees and a loss of appetite. No evidence of tick bites was found, but the dog was scratching a lot after entering the mountains, the veterinarian said. The canine's fever did not recede the following day, and a blood test showed low platelet and white blood cell counts.

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Two weeks ago, it was reported that a veterinarian in Mie Prefecture who had been treating cats infected with a tick-borne illness had died after contracting the same disease. The individual is believed to have been infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), likely transmitted by one of the cats under their care.

Yikes. How bizarre. The vet died, but the cats survived. I wonder, is there no effective treatment for humans, or is it just a question of genetics and stamina, etc...?

Ticks are a major problem in many spots in the US. Maine has a lot of deer ticks that can cause illness or death. If I let my lawn grass get too high , I see them on my lawn mower. I tuck my pants in and spray bug spray on my pants before I mow. Always amazes me on how many tiny things can kill.

Majestic said:

Yikes. How bizarre. The vet died, but the cats survived. I wonder, is there no effective treatment for humans, or is it just a question of genetics and stamina, etc...?

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The human genome is remarkably robust and equipped for species survival. For individuals, not so much.

On Thursday, officials in Kanagawa Prefecture announced that a woman in her sixties has been diagnosed with a tick-borne illness. It is the first confirmed human case of its kind in the Kantō region. Authorities believe she contracted the disease near her residence in the town of Matsuda. The woman began experiencing symptoms such as fever and diarrhoea on 28 June and was later admitted to the hospital. A genetic analysis carried out by the Kanagawa Prefectural Institute of Public Health confirmed that she had contracted Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a viral infection transmitted by ticks. This is the first time Kanagawa Prefecture has recorded a human case of SFTS.

After further inquiry into her recent activities, it was concluded that a tick likely bit the woman while she was doing farm work or weeding near her home. According to the prefecture, SFTS cases have a mortality rate of at least 10%. By the end of April this year, 117 people in Japan had died from the disease. The woman living in Matsuda has since been discharged from the hospital and is recovering. The prefecture is urging the public to wear clothing that covers the skin and to avoid forcibly removing ticks if bitten, advising instead to seek medical attention. In 2013, the first case of SFTS in Japan was confirmed in Yamaguchi Prefecture in a patient with no history of travel outside Japan. Since then, SFTS cases have gradually spread eastward from western Japan. As of April this year, the easternmost confirmed case occurred in Shizuoka Prefecture.

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