Website aims to shed light on little-known blood cancer virus

A portal site called “Hot Lives” has recently been launched to provide the latest medical information and online consultation services with specialists of HTLV-1, a virus that causes adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), an intractable blood cancer, and other diseases.

HTLV-1 (Human T-cell Leukemia Virus 1) carriers are mostly found in Okinawa and the Kyushu region, but in recent years, the number has been increasing in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka. A doctor involved in launching the website says it is intended to provide early support and disseminate correct information by enhancing the consultation system.

HTLV-1 is a virus transmitted through sexual intercourse and from mothers to children through breast milk, with the number of infected people nationwide estimated to be around 1 million.