社会｜マダニ感染症「SFTS」拡大の警戒 / Society | Heightened Alert for the Spread of Tick-Borne Disease “SFTS”

Summary

The tick-borne infectious disease “Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome” (SFTS) is spreading in Japan, with new cases confirmed particularly in Kanagawa Prefecture.

The mortality rate for this disease can reach as high as 27%, raising concerns about its threat to the Kanto region. Over the past decade, cases of tick infections have been reported in the country, leading to fears of a nationwide outbreak. To prevent infections, it is recommended to wear long sleeves and pants and to use insect repellent; however, many people are not taking adequate precautions.

Dialogue

This dialogue is fictional and based on the article.

Chako: Wait, are there really incidents like that!?

Rog: Yeah, there’s a disease called SFTS that’s spreading, and it has a high fatality rate, so we need to be careful.

Chako: A 27% fatality rate is really scary! How can we prevent it?

Rog: It’s said that wearing long sleeves and long pants, as well as using insect repellent, can be effective, but in reality, many people don’t take those precautions.

Navi: Also, since SFTS is often contracted through contact with wildlife, it’s important to avoid getting too close to them.

Admin’s Note

The expansion of SFTS is a concerning development, and the new cases in Kanagawa Prefecture serve as a wake-up call for us. Given its high mortality rate, individual preventive measures are crucial. Children, like Chako, becoming aware of this issue can also help raise awareness among those around them. To prevent infectious diseases, it is essential to take action based on accurate information, so we should implement proper measures.