Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in Japan

Public health authorities in Japan have reported via media a rise in cases of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (STFS) in 2021 and 2022. From January 2021 to the end of July 2022, there was 187 SFTS cases in Japan, including at least 17 deaths. Affected areas include Aichi, Fukuoka, Shizuoka and Yamaguchi Prefectures.

SFTS is a potentially fatal tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever found in Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan. Case numbers usually rise in spring months as ticks become more active.

Advice for Travellers

SFTS is spread by ticks infected from an animal reservoir such as cattle, sheep and goats. Close contact animals is associated with risk of infection. SFTS can also be transmitted by having contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person.

STFS is rare in travellers. Those with an increased risk are those visiting an endemic region who may:

• have an increased likelihood of tick bites during activities such as hiking, camping in rural areas or visiting farms
• be travelling to work in medical or animal settings
• be staying in accommodation where animals are present

Travellers with an increased risk of infection should be aware of the disease and prevent transmission by:

• practicing tick bite avoidance measures during outdoor activities
• avoiding close contact with animals, including pets
• following appropriate infection control procedures if working in a health care or animal care setting

There is no vaccine available for use in the UK.

For further information see the Viral Haemorrhagic Fever page.