The Journal of veterinary medical science
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Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was detected for the first time in China in 2011. Since then, human cases have been reported in endemic regions, including Japan. ⋯ In a phylogenetic analysis based on the partial nucleotide sequences of the L and S segments of the virus, the virus clustered with Lesvos virus (Greece), Yongjia tick virus, and Dabieshan tick virus (China). Further studies involving virus isolation are required to characterize this novel phlebovirus and to expand the epidemiological knowledge of related pathogens.