🔬 SFTS is a tick-borne disease with a fatality rate of 10-30%. Currently, diagnosis takes several days, but researchers are developing rapid test kits that could deliver results in just 15 minutes—like a flu test. With a treatment drug approved in 2024, early diagnosis has become crucial. Here's how Japanese medical innovation could save lives.
What is SFTS? Rising Cases and Expanding Infection Areas
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease caused by the SFTS virus, transmitted through bites from infected ticks. First reported in China in 2011, Japan confirmed its first case in 2013.
The main symptoms include fever, gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), decreased platelet count, and reduced white blood cell count. Severe cases can lead to neurological symptoms and bleeding disorders, with a fatality rate of 10-30%.
In 2025, Japan recorded over 183 cases—the highest ever. Previously concentrated in western Japan, the disease has expanded nationwide, with Hokkaido confirming its first case in August 2025.
Why Rapid Diagnosis Matters
Currently, SFTS diagnosis requires RT-PCR testing to detect viral RNA, performed at regional public health laboratories or the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. This process takes several days, creating a critical gap in patient care.
The approval of favipiravir (Avigan) as an SFTS treatment in June 2024 has heightened the importance of early diagnosis. Research shows that viral load at treatment initiation significantly impacts patient outcomes, making early intervention crucial for improving survival rates.
A rapid diagnostic kit that delivers results in 15-30 minutes—similar to influenza antigen tests—could enable timely treatment initiation at the point of care.
Efforts to Develop Rapid Diagnostic Kits
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (now part of Japan's National Institute of Health Crisis Management) has been leading research on SFTS virus antigen detection using ELISA methods and improving quantitative PCR techniques. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) has been supporting diagnostic technology development through its "Research Program on Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases."
Developing rapid diagnostic kits requires producing monoclonal antibodies that specifically recognize SFTS virus proteins without cross-reacting with other pathogens. This remains a technical challenge that researchers are actively addressing.
Multiple research institutions, including Osaka University, are working on immunochromatography-based rapid test kits, with research progressing toward practical implementation.
Public Health Significance
The practical implementation of SFTS rapid diagnostic kits could bring several benefits:
Immediate Response at Healthcare Facilities
Patients presenting with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms who have tick exposure history could be tested and diagnosed on-site, enabling prompt treatment and preventing disease spread.
Veterinary Applications
SFTS affects dogs and cats, with documented cases of animal-to-human transmission. Rapid screening at veterinary clinics could help prevent secondary infections among veterinary professionals and pet owners.
Enhanced Epidemiological Surveillance
Faster identification of infection areas and outbreak patterns would enable more effective preventive measures.
Future Outlook and Prevention
While rapid diagnostic kit development is progressing steadily, practical implementation will take time. Currently, the most important preventive measure is avoiding tick bites.
Ticks are most active from spring to autumn. When entering forests or grassy areas, wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure. After returning home, check your entire body for ticks. If you find an attached tick, do not attempt removal yourself—seek medical attention.
Pet tick prevention is equally important. Use regular tick prevention medications and brush your pets after walks.
Japan is making steady progress in combating the highly fatal SFTS through medical innovation. How is your country addressing tick-borne diseases? What diagnostic technologies are available? We'd love to hear from you!
References
Reactions in Japan
I've been waiting for a rapid SFTS diagnostic kit. My father was bitten by a tick during farm work and we worried for days waiting for test results. I hope it becomes available soon.
I'm a veterinarian. A colleague got infected after treating an SFTS-positive cat. A rapid test for animals would help protect us healthcare workers. Looking forward to research progress.
A case in Hokkaido means there's risk nationwide now... Improving testing infrastructure is urgent.
It's reassuring that the rapid test kit development expertise gained from COVID is being applied to SFTS. Shows Japan's medical technology strength.
30% fatality rate is terrifying. But with treatment drugs and early detection, survival chances improve. Grateful to the researchers.
There's also the development cost issue. Diagnostic kits for rare diseases have small markets, making profitability difficult. Government support is essential.
As a hiking enthusiast, this isn't someone else's problem for me. Rapid testing would reduce anxiety after mountain trips.
Rapid diagnosis is important, but we should spread more prevention education about avoiding tick bites. Too many people don't know.
Hope it becomes a kit that local clinics can use. It would save time sending samples to specialized facilities and help solve regional healthcare issues.
Wonder how many more years until it's practical. Research seems to be progressing, but considering clinical trials and approval, it looks like a long road.
I always check my dog for ticks after walks, but it would be nice to have easy testing available just in case.
Infectious disease research seems unglamorous but is truly important. Better to invest continuously in such research than panic when a pandemic hits.
Even with quick diagnosis, expensive treatments will still leave people struggling. Hope insurance coverage expands simultaneously.
The same disease is prevalent in Korea and China too, so international research cooperation is important.
I hear there are many elderly patients, so I hope testing is made elderly-friendly. Like requiring less blood for sampling.
SFTS is a serious problem in China too. If Japan succeeds in developing rapid diagnostic kits, it could benefit infectious disease control across Asia. Looking forward to technology sharing.
Korea also sees SFTS patients every year. Watching Japan's R&D closely. Would be great if both countries could cooperate on countermeasures.
Tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease are a problem in the US too. Rapid diagnostic technology development is a global challenge. Seems like there's much to learn from Japan's efforts.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a challenge in Germany too. Immunochromatography technology can be applied to various infectious diseases, so I'm excited about research progress.
Australia has relatively few tick-borne diseases, but climate change could alter that. Japan's advanced research is a valuable reference.
Taiwan has similar infection reports. Even island nations have risks of spread through wildlife. Information sharing with Japan is important.
Spain also deals with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a tick-borne disease. The importance of rapid diagnosis is universal. Research community collaboration is essential.
Medical technologist from UK. Japan's progress in POCT technology is remarkable. Wishing success for the SFTS kit development.
Vietnam also faces challenges in strengthening countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases. Japan's R&D speed and quality are a reference. Hope for technology transfer to Southeast Asia.
Eastern Russia also has tick-borne diseases similar to SFTS. Considering medical access across vast territory, rapid diagnostic kits are extremely important.
Infectious disease researcher from Canada. Rapid response to highly fatal infections is a global challenge. Hope Japan's research becomes an international standard.
Brazil also has issues with tick-borne Brazilian spotted fever. Hope they work on developing low-cost diagnostic kits that are easy to use in developing countries.
As a French public health specialist, I'm impressed by Japan's approach to infectious disease control. AMED's research support system is particularly informative.
Working at a Swiss diagnostic equipment manufacturer. Interested in possibilities for international joint development with Japanese research institutions. Technical collaboration could accelerate development.
India also reports various tick-borne diseases. In countries with large populations and limited medical resources, developing rapid and affordable diagnostic methods is especially important.