Fièvre tachetée japonaise

Japanese spotted fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Rickettsia japonica, representing a spotted fever rickettsiosis acquired through the bite of infected hard ticks ^[1][2]. It is classified among representative rickettsioses in Japan and is subject to mandatory notification ^[1][2].

Major clinical signs include fever, rash, and eschar, with the rash tending to spread from the extremities to the trunk ^[1]. Illness may begin two to eight days after a tick bite with headache, malaise, high fever, and a red maculopapular rash starting on the extremities, and severe or fatal progression can occur ^[1][2].

In Japan, reported cases increased annually from 49 in 2006 to 129 in 2009 ^[1]. Surveillance data showed concentration of cases in western Pacific-side prefectures and the identification of newly endemic areas during this period ^[1].

The infection is acquired through bites of infected Ixodidae (hard) ticks during outdoor activities ^[1][2]. The causative agent is Rickettsia japonica, transmitted by the tick vector rather than by person-to-person spread ^[1][2].

Prevention relies on epidemiological analysis and provision of appropriate information to local residents and medical facilities to reduce tick exposure during outdoor activity ^[1]. Strengthened surveillance and public awareness are identified as necessary components for infection prevention and timely response ^[1].

1. 1 Japan National Institute of Infectious Diseases. IASR 31-5 scrub typhus, Japanese spotted fever, NESID, Orientia tsutsugamushi, Rickettsia japonica, Rickettsia heilongjiangensis, laboratory confirmation [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://idsc.niid.go.jp/iasr/31/363/tpc363.html
2. 2 Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. “ú–{g”Á”MbŒú¶˜J“­È [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou11/01-04-23.html