New Delhi: A rare and deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection is rapidly spreading in Japan, reports The New York Post citing officials.
The infection, known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), has a high fatality rate of 30% and is primarily caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, as reported by The Japan Times.
Medical experts are surprised by the sudden increase in cases and have advised to maintain good hygiene practices like handwashing and proper wound care to prevent its spread.
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) expressed uncertainty about the underlying causes of severe streptococcus infections. The institute disclosed 941 confirmed STSS cases in 2023, with 378 cases already reported in the first two months of 2024 across almost all prefectures.
Despite an average of 100-200 annual cases since 1992, the number spiked to a record 894 cases in 2019.
Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly known as strep A cause sore throats in children and pose risks to adults above 30.
The NIID highlighted a concerning trend of more STSS-related deaths among patients under 50, with 21 out of 65 individuals in that age group succumbing to the infection between July and December 2023.
STSS can lead to severe complications like tissue necrosis and organ failure, necessitating antibiotic treatment and in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Some officials attribute the rise in cases to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, urging the public to maintain cleanliness and practice proper cough etiquette for prevention.
