The Japan Institute for Health Security in Tokyo has reported a concerning rise in cases of a serious tick-borne illness. Preliminary data released in August 2025 indicates a record number of infections this year, prompting health officials to issue warnings and encourage preventative measures.
The illness, known as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), has seen 135 reported cases in 2025. This surpasses the previous high of 134 cases recorded in 2023, representing the highest number of infections since the disease was first identified in Japan in 2013.
SFTS is transmitted through the bites of infected ticks, which are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas. The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The health ministry reports a case fatality rate between 10 and 30 percent, with elderly individuals being at a higher risk of severe outcomes.
The disease also affects pets, often with a higher fatality rate than in humans, creating a potential risk of transmission to pet owners. The number of human cases has been steadily increasing, with over 100 reported annually since 2021.
While infections have historically been concentrated in western Japan, this year's cases have been reported across a wider geographical area, including the Kanto region, which encompasses Tokyo, and as far north as Hokkaido.
Health officials are advising the public to take precautions, especially during the warmer months from spring to fall, when tick activity is at its peak. Recommended preventative measures include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when in grassy or forested areas to reduce the risk of tick bites.
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