Ninth case of encephalitis in Japan after being bitten by a tick in a home garden… Hokkaido urges people to take precautions such as limiting exposed skin

A woman in her 70s in Hokkaido has been infected with tick-borne encephalitis after being bitten by a tick while working in her garden.

The woman, who lives in the Muroran Health Center area, was bitten by a tick carrying the virus in early June. About 10 days later, she began experiencing symptoms like headaches, fever, and fatigue, and was diagnosed with the infection. She is currently hospitalized but is improving.

This is the 9th confirmed case of tick-borne encephalitis in Hokkaido. The local government is urging people to take preventive measures, such as wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, and being cautious when doing outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, or camping.