About severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS)

　In addition to being transmitted by tick bites, SFTS has been reported to be transmitted by being bitten by cats and dogs that are infected with the SFTS virus, or by direct contact with blood and other body fluids.

　Symptoms found in humans when cats and dogs are infected with the SFTS virus. ※Symptoms similar to 1 ※2 may be presented, so please pay attention to changes in the physical condition of the animal and take thorough infection prevention measures when handling animals that are in poor physical condition.

　There have been no reports of cases where humans have been infected with the SFTS virus from healthy cats and dogs, cats and dogs bred only indoors.

※One person's symptoms: Mainly fever and gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.). You can also see malaise, lymph node swelling, and bleeding symptoms.
※2 Animal symptoms: Symptoms such as fever, leukemia, thrombocytopenia, loss of appetite, etc. are observed.

　To prevent SFTS, it is important not to be bitten by ticks. You don't need to worry too much about direct infection from your cat or dog, but please refrain from excessive contact (such as feeding by mouth transfer or sleeping in a futon).

　Ticks inhabit a lot in grass and bushes, and their activities become active from spring to autumn. When going to a grassy place for walking a dog, take preventive measures so that both people and dogs are not bitten by ticks. For cats and dogs, it is also effective to use tick exterminants and repellents regularly. Please consult with your veterinarian. Also, if your cat or dog is ill, consult a veterinary clinic immediately.

About severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) (external site) (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Q & A on severe febrile thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) (external site) (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Tick countermeasures, what can be done now (external site) (National Institute of Infectious Diseases)
Precautions when humans come into contact with animals (City of Yokohama, Medical Care Bureau Animal Protection Center)
About zoonotic diseases (City of Yokohama, Medical Care Bureau Animal Protection Center)