FEATURE: Japan researchers develop rapid test for deadly tick-borne virus

OSAKA - Researchers at the University of Osaka are developing a rapid diagnostic kit for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a deadly tick-borne viral disease that a project leader warned could spread nationwide in Japan.

The study, being carried out in collaboration with Fujita Health University and the University of Miyazaki, aims to create a test kit capable of delivering same-day results at medical facilities, potentially shortening the time needed to diagnose the disease.