Veterinarian in Japan Dies After Contracting Rare Tick-Borne Virus While Treating Infected Cats

A tragic case has raised alarm in Japan’s veterinary and public health communities after a veterinarian in Mie Prefecturedied from a rare and potentially deadly tick-borne illness known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS). The veterinarian is believed to have contracted the virus while treating two cats that were later confirmed to be infected with SFTS, the Mie Prefectural Veterinarians’ Association reported on June 13.