🕷️ In a surprising twist, Japan has reported its first-ever case of a tick-borne virus spreading from one person to another! The country's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) shared that a doctor in his 20s caught severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) after treating a patient.
The patient, a man in his 90s, had been diagnosed with SFTS when he visited the emergency room last April. Sadly, he passed away. During his care, the young doctor performed several procedures, including removing a catheter after the patient's death. While the doctor wore a mask and gloves, he didn't have goggles on. 😷
About nine days later, the doctor started feeling unwell, experiencing fever and headaches. After a medical check-up, he was diagnosed with SFTS. But here's the good news: the doctor's symptoms have since improved! 🙌
The NIID confirmed that the virus genes in both men were identical, proving that human-to-human transmission occurred. This marks the first time such transmission of SFTS has been recorded in Japan.
SFTS is usually spread through tick bites, and it's known for causing symptoms like fever, vomiting, and a drop in blood platelets. Stay safe out there, folks! If you're exploring the great outdoors, don't forget to protect yourself from ticks! 🏞️
Reference(s):
Japan confirms 1st human-to-human spread of tick-borne viral disease
cgtn.com
