A deadly virus known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), which has a 30% fatality rate, is spreading in Japan. A veterinarian from Masuda, Shimane Prefecture, who nearly lost his life to the disease after treating an infected cat, spoke to Asahi Shimbun about the importance of not vilifying cats. He stressed that cat owners and individuals who venture into the woods must be equipped with the proper knowledge to avoid the disease and understand its transmission.

The veterinarian, 66-year-old Yasuhisa Matsumoto, recounted his harrowing experience after contracting SFTS in February 2021. Initially, he treated a four-year-old male cat brought to his clinic, which showed severe symptoms including lack of appetite, vomiting, and high fever. The cat was hospitalized but tragically passed away just a day later. Matsumoto was struck by the swift progression of the illness, realizing weeks later that he too had contracted the disease after experiencing symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes.

Matsumoto's story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by SFTS, particularly as the disease is usually transmitted by tick bites and can be spread by domestic cats that roam outside. With a mortality rate of 60% in cats, and implications for human health, there is a critical need for education around the risks associated with the disease. Understanding the dynamics of SFTS is vital to protect both pets and their owners from this potentially fatal virus.