The number of cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) or “flesh-eating bacteria” infections is increasing in Japan.
According to the latest data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, the number of STSS cases in the country has reached 977 as of June 2, 2024, surpassing the previous record of 941 cases for the entire year of 2023.
As reported by NHK, STSS is primarily caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and predominantly affects individuals aged 30 and older. Patients may experience necrosis of limbs and multiple organ failure. The progression of this infection is rapid and can be fatal. Those over 50 years of age are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.
“Swelling may appear in the foot in the morning, spread to the knee by noon, and most patients die within 48 hours,” stated expert Ken Kikuchi from Tokyo Women’s Medical University to Bloomberg News on June 15.
According to him, STSS bacteria are typically believed to enter the body through open wounds, but in some cases, the exact source of infection cannot be identified.
Japan is witnessing a rapid increase in STSS infections (Photo: REUTERS).
In addition to swelling, high fever accompanied by delirium is also a sign that requires immediate medical attention, according to Ken Kikuchi. With the current upward trend, he predicts that the number of STSS infections in Japan could reach 2,500 this year, with a mortality rate as high as 30%.
This expert urges the public to maintain hand hygiene and treat all open wounds. He also notes that “flesh-eating bacteria” can easily spread through wounds on the feet.
Other countries have also experienced recent outbreaks of STSS. At the end of 2022, at least five European countries reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) about the increasing trend of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections, including STSS. WHO believes this trend occurred after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
