Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How dogs can directly spread SFTS virus to humans
By Li, Zhifeng et al.·Published in Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases·2026·Department of Acute Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention, China·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Direct transmission of SFTSV from dogs to humans: Molecular confirmation and risk assessment.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A dog was found to have Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV), showing symptoms like bloody stools and high viral loads in its saliva. The dog's owner became infected 14 days after the dog first showed signs of illness. This case confirms that SFTSV can be transmitted directly from dogs to humans, particularly through contact with the dog's saliva and bloody stools. It's important for pet owners to take precautions when caring for sick dogs, especially in areas where this virus is known to occur.
People also search for: dog with bloody stools · SFTSV transmission to humans · how to protect from dog viruses · symptoms of SFTSV in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential for dog-to-human transmission of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus (SFTSV) and characterize viral shedding patterns in naturally infected dogs. METHODS: We conducted genomic analysis of SFTSV strains isolated from an infected dog and its owner using whole-genome sequencing. Viral loads were quantified in canine saliva, urine, and stool samples via qRT-PCR during the acute infection phase. RESULTS: Genomic sequencing revealed 100% identity between viral strains from the dog and owner. The dog exhibited exceptionally high viral loads, particularly in bloody stools (2.2 × 10copies/mL) and saliva (2.3 × 10copies/mL), with persistent shedding observed throughout the clinical course. The owner developed SFTSV infection 14 days after the dog's symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first molecular confirmation of direct SFTSV transmission from dogs to humans, identifying bloody stools and saliva as high-risk transmission sources. These findings underscore the importance of including dogs in SFTSV surveillance systems and implementing protective measures when handling sick pets in endemic areas.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41581741/