The Ministry of Health in Japan has announced the discovery of the country's first case of an infectious disease caused by the Oz virus, making it the first reported case in the world. The virus is believed to be transmitted by hard ticks, NHK World-Japan reports.
The Ministry's report on Friday states that a woman in her 70s from Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo, died from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscles. Prior to her death, she had visited a hospital with complaints of fever and fatigue. During her examination, a tick was found biting her upper thigh. Subsequent autopsy results confirmed that she had been infected with the Oz virus.
This case marks the first-ever reported instance of an Oz virus infection, whether fatal or not. The ministry officials emphasize that infection with the virus does not necessarily lead to fatality, as antibody tests conducted on blood samples in Japan indicate that some individuals have been infected without severe consequences.
The exact method of virus transmission remains unknown; however, it is suspected that being bitten by virus-carrying hard ticks is a likely cause. In light of this, the ministry is urging people to take precautions, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers when venturing into grassy areas where ticks are commonly found.
The Oz virus was initially detected in Japan in 2018, specifically from a specific type of hard tick prevalent in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, as well as central and western Japan. Antibodies, indicating infection, have been identified in monkeys, boars, and deer living in the wild across several prefectures.
Currently, no effective treatment for the disease exists, and medical professionals can only provide supportive care to alleviate symptoms. The initial signs of the virus include weakness, fever, and loss of appetite. In the case of the deceased woman, she was hospitalized and underwent a blood test, which revealed a decrease in platelet levels, liver damage, and acute inflammation. The presence of tick bites was also noted by doctors.
Although the Oz virus can be transmitted through tick bites, no cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported thus far. However, antibodies against the virus were detected in two hunters previously, according to medical experts.
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