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A Tick Bite Can Be Deadly: Doctors Warn as Infection Spreads in Japan

A dangerous tick-borne disease is spreading across Japan. Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, or SFTS, can cause multiple organ failure and has a fatality rate of around 30%. Some people have been infected while mowing their lawn, while others have gotten it from their pets. There is no vaccine and early detection is difficult. But there are ways to protect ourselves. We speak to experts about steps we can take to limit our risk of infection. Guests: Izumikawa Koichi (Professor, Nagasaki University Hospital) Sakanishi Shunta (NHK reporter)

English
  • Originally Aired October 24, 2025
  • Runtime 27 minutes
  • Created December 11, 2025 by
    chrominance
  • Modified December 11, 2025 by
    chrominance