Japan has recorded a notable increase in cases of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a tick‑borne viral disease that can be fatal, according to preliminary data from the National Institute of Health and Nutrition.

Confirmed cases reached 72 as of 7 June 2026, compared with 68 during the same period last year, with the highest annual total standing at 192 infections, the data showed.

The rise comes as the Ministry of Health has warned that the upward trend in infections is continuing and urged enhanced preventive measures during tick activity periods from spring to autumn, Kyodo News reported.