First Reported Case of SFTS Virus in Domestic Cat in Kanto Region Raises Alarm

In a significant health alert for pet owners, a domestic cat in Ibaraki Prefecture has tested positive for the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus, marking the first recorded case in the Kanto region. The cat succumbed to the illness after exhibiting severe symptoms, including a high fever, vomiting, and jaundice, following a tick infestation.

The incident came on the heels of a veterinarian’s death from SFTS while treating another cat in Mie Prefecture. This has further escalated concerns about the infectious disease as experts, including Ken Maeda from the Japan Institute for Health Security, warn that the risk of infection is on the rise, even in more populated areas like Kanto, where preventive measures should be prioritized.

Symptoms of SFTS concern both humans and animals, with a notably high fatality rate of 30% in humans and up to 60% in cats. The Ibaraki cat, which was previously kept indoors, contracted the virus after a brief escape outdoors, where it was exposed to ticks. The cat was treated at a veterinary hospital and, despite efforts to care for it, passed away shortly after being diagnosed.

Health authorities have since issued alerts to veterinarians about the need for vigilant infection control as ongoing cases are reported, especially since the initial confirmation of the virus in Japan in 2013. Though infections have been primarily noted in western Japan, cases are beginning to appear in other regions, signaling a concerning trend.

In response to the increase in infections, the Tokyo Veterinary Medical Association has developed resources for veterinarians to educate them about SFTS and promote preventive practices for pet owners. Experts strongly advise keeping cats indoors and handling sick pets with caution, including wearing gloves and disinfecting their living spaces to mitigate transmission risks.