In 2025, Japan recorded 191 reported cases of the tick-borne infectious disease “Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome” (SFTS), marking a new historical high. Infections have been reported in several popular tourist areas.

SFTS is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of certain kinds of ticks that carry SFTS virus. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with blood, secretions, excretions of the sick or deceased persons, or objects contaminated by them. Common symptoms of STFS include fever and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and melena), and are sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain, muscle pain, neurological symptoms, lymph node swelling, and bleeding symptoms. The incubation period for SFTS is commonly 6 – 14 days.

With the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health of HKSAR Government is urging travellers to Japan to adopt the following measures when visiting rural areas:

Pre-visit preparation:

• Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers
• Wear shoes that cover the entire foot, avoid wearing sandals or open shoes
• Tuck trousers into socks or boots to prevent arthropods from reaching the skin
• Use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing
• Avoid using fragrant cosmetics or skin care products
• If both insect repellents and sunscreen are used, apply insect repellents after sunscreen

During the visit:

• Stay on footpaths and avoid walking through vegetation. Do not brush along the vegetation at the sides of footpaths
• Avoid resting on vegetation, or at humid and dark places
• Do not hang clothing on trees or vegetation
• Do not feed wild or stray animals
• Re-apply insect repellents according to instructions

After the visit:

• Inspect body parts and clothing. Clear any attached arthropods carefully
• Take a soapy shower and wash the clothes
• Inspect and clean the bodies of accompanying pets

If an attached tick is found on the body:

• Gently remove it by grasping its head with tweezers or fine-tipped forceps close to the skin, then disinfect the bite area and wash hands with soap and water
• Do not crush or twist the tick during removal

For more information on SFTS, please refer to CHP’s website: https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/109322.html.