Possible Infection from a Cat? Veterinarian in Mie Prefecture Dies—SFTS Indicates New Risks of Tick-Borne Diseases

1. Overview of the Incident

In late May 2025, a middle-aged male veterinarian working at a private animal hospital in Mie Prefecture, treating a cat for inpatient care, was transported due to respiratory distress and high fever and died a few days later. Tests showed the cat was positive for the SFTS virus, and the veterinarian is also strongly suspected of being infected with the same virus. On June 12, the Japan Veterinary Medical Association sent an emergency alert email nationwide, urging the use of gloves and goggles during examinations and measures to prevent bites and scratches.asahi.com

2. What is SFTS?

SFTS (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome) is an acute viral infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus of the Bunyaviridae family. The main vectors are several species of ticks, such as the Haemaphysalis longicornis, distributed domestically. The incubation period is 6 to 14 days, presenting with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, melena, and neurological symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to death due to DIC or multiple organ failure. Antiviral drugs are not approved, and symptomatic treatment, such as early fluid replacement, platelet transfusion, and off-label use of favipiravir, is the mainstay.pref.kagawa.lg.jp

3. Occurrence Situation in Japan

According to infectious disease occurrence trend surveys, since the first report in 2013, a total of 1,071 cases and 117 deaths have been reported by the end of April 2025, with more than 100 cases annually in recent years. More than half of the patients are in western Japan, but sporadic cases have been confirmed in Tohoku and Kanto, necessitating nationwide vigilance.id-info.jihs.go.jp

4. Reality of Pet-mediated Infections

While most human cases are due to tick bites, reports of infections from cats and dogs have been increasing in recent years. Cats exhibit high viremia, and bites or contact with saliva and body fluids pose a risk. The recent veterinarian death case, where there was "no biting," draws attention as it supports infection routes through fluid splatter or mucosal contact.asahi.com

5. Dangers Faced by Foreign Tourists and Residents

Hiking, camping, and satoyama tourism conducted across Japan from spring to autumn are popular among foreign tourists, but ticks lurk in areas with lush vegetation. Interaction with stray cats and free-roaming dogs, which may seem familiar, can also be a route of SFTS infection. It is crucial to use tick repellents (DEET, Icaridin), wear long sleeves and pants, use adhesive rollers on exposed areas, and conduct a full-body check after returning to accommodations.

6. Recommendations for Veterinarians and Healthcare Workers

• Standard equipment during examinations: gloves, face shields, and waterproof aprons

• Disinfect cages and examination tables with 0.1% sodium hypochlorite

• Immediately wash and disinfect with alcohol in case of bites or scratches, and monitor the situation

• Request a PCR test at a medical institution within 72 hours if fever or gastrointestinal symptoms appear
  
  
  
  

7. International Perspective

SFTS is also prevalent in South Korea and China, with over 1,500 cases reported in South Korea from 2013 to 2024. Backpackers and business travelers to East Asia need to recognize that they face the same risks across borders.

8. Climate Change and the Expansion of Ticks

The increase in overwintering rates due to warming and the rise in deer and wild boar populations in forests near human settlements have heightened tick density, with reports of damage beginning even in suburban areas. Experts warn, "We cannot be complacent even in the 23 wards of Tokyo."h-crisis.niph.go.jp

9. Public Health Challenges

• Low dissemination rate of tick prevention medication among pet owners

• Insufficient PCR testing system in rural areas

• Delay in information dissemination in English, Chinese, and Korean
  
  
  
  

10. Conclusion

The recent case of a veterinarian's death has highlighted the risk of SFTS infection via pets. It is essential to incorporate tick prevention and pet hygiene management into daily habits, including for foreigners staying or traveling in Japan. In the absence of a specific treatment, "not getting bitten, not touching, and seeking early medical attention" are the best defenses.

List of Reference Articles

• Asahi Shimbun Digital "Veterinarian Dies After Treating Cat, Suspected Tick-borne Disease; Veterinary Association Issues Warning" June 13, 2025asahi.com

• JIH Infectious Disease Surveillance Center "Infectious Disease Trend Survey: Overview of SFTS Cases (As of April 30, 2025)"id-info.jihs.go.jp

• Kagawa Prefecture Health and Welfare Department "Alert Regarding the Occurrence of Deaths Due to Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome" June 9, 2025pref.kagawa.lg.jp

• National Institute of Health Crisis Management "Be Aware of Tick-borne Infectious Diseases!" April 2, 2025h-crisis.niph.go.jp