Six recent cases of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome during the 2024 – 2025 in Kochi, Japan: A possible surge and clinical clue for early recognition

In endemic and warm-climate regions, SFTS should be suspected year-round. Key clinical features, including cat exposure, thrombocytopenia, and a slight elevation of serum C-reactive protein, may aid early diagnosis even in the absence of tick bite history.