In a significant public health development, Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) has confirmed the nation’s first case of human-to-human transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick-borne viral disease.
The transmission occurred from an elderly patient in his 90s to a doctor in his 20s who was attending to him. While the patient sadly passed away, the doctor has since recovered from the infection, the NIID reported earlier this week.
According to the institute, the patient was admitted to an emergency room last April due to deteriorating health and was subsequently diagnosed with SFTS. The attending doctor performed several medical procedures, including the removal of the patient’s catheter post-mortem. During these procedures, the doctor wore a face mask and gloves but did not use protective goggles.
Approximately nine days after the patient’s death, the doctor began experiencing symptoms such as fever and headache. Medical examinations confirmed he had contracted SFTS. Genetic analysis revealed that the viruses in both the patient and the doctor were identical, conclusively confirming human-to-human transmission.
This case marks the first documented instance of SFTS spreading between humans in Japan. The NIID emphasized the importance of proper protective measures for healthcare workers, especially when dealing with infectious diseases that are traditionally considered vector-borne.
SFTS is a severe infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus, which is primarily transmitted to humans through tick bites. Symptoms often include high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and thrombocytopenia—a condition characterized by low platelet counts. The disease has a high fatality rate and is considered a significant public health concern in East Asia.
The NIID’s confirmation of human-to-human transmission underscores the need for heightened awareness and preventive strategies among medical professionals and the general public. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial to prevent the spread of such infections, especially in clinical settings.
The Japanese health authorities are likely to review and possibly enhance safety protocols to prevent future transmissions. This development also calls for further research into the mechanisms of SFTS transmission and the potential risks posed by close contact with infected individuals.
As Asia continues to grapple with various emerging infectious diseases, this case serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of viral pathogens and the importance of vigilance in healthcare practices.
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Japan confirms 1st human-to-human spread of tick-borne viral disease
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