- A record 191 cases of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) were reported in Japan during 2025.
- The tick-borne virus, which can be fatal, affected people in 32 prefectures across the country.
- Health officials advise increased awareness, skin protection, and insect repellent, especially starting in March.

A: Hey Hana, did you hear about something kinda scary?
B: No, what’s up, Ken?

A: Apparently, lots of people got sick last year from a tick-borne virus.
B: Seriously? What virus is that?

A: It’s called SFTS. It sounds complicated, right?
B: Yeah, what does it do?

A: It can make you really sick. Like, lower your blood platelets. Sometimes it’s super dangerous.
B: Wow! How do you get it?

A: Mostly from tick bites! The institute said 191 people got it in 2025. That’s a record!
B: That’s a lot! Where did most people get it?

A: Mainly in western Japan, but it's spreading! Kochi had a lot, and even Hokkaido had some cases.
B: Hokkaido? That's surprising!

A: Yeah! The expert says cases usually pop up in March.
B: Oh no! What should we do?

A: He says we should cover up our skin and use bug spray when we go outside!
B: Good advice! I'll definitely remember that.