A record number of cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) so far in 2024 has put the government of Japanwhich has focused its efforts on addressing this rare and deadly ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ that, in just five months, has surpassed the thousand infections registered.
The increase in cases of the streptococcus A bacteria, as it is also known, has generated concern in the medical community because it has the ability to kill a person in 48 hours if it is not attended to in time. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan warned that between January and March, there were 77 people died for this disease.
Until June 2, they had been confirmed in the Japanese archipelago 977 of these infections, according to data published by the institute; all caused by the rare variant of streptococcus that, in the worst case scenario, can cause a 30 percent mortality rate. This figure has already surpassed the previous record from last year, when 941 infections were detected.
What do we know about ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ in Japan?
He streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is considered as a serious illness caused when group A Streptococcus bacteria spread to the blood and deep tissues.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), group A strep is a common bacteria found in the throat and skin that usually causes common, mild illnesses, such as streptococcal pharyngitis.
However, when bacteria enter areas where they are not normally found, such as blood or musclesthis can lead to a life-threatening disease and in some cases cause necrosis in the extremities, which is why it is also known as ‘flesh-eating bacteria’.
The CDC warns that it is likely that three in 10 patients die from contracting streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
What are the symptoms caused by ‘flesh-eating bacteria’?
The Symptoms of strep shock syndrome progress depending on the severity of the infection. At first they start with fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomitingbut within a period of 24 to 48 hours More worrying conditions may also occur such as:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure).
- Organ failure (other signs that the organs are not working).
- Tachycardia (faster heartbeat).
- tachypnea (fast breathing).
Complications can also occur as organs stop functioning and the body goes into state of shock. In life or death cases, even damaged tissues and organs have to be removed for patients to survive.
Who are the most vulnerable people to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?
The CDC warns that People most likely to get streptococcal toxic shock syndrome are:
- People over 65 yearswhich present the majority of cases.
- People with infections or open wounds on the skinincluding those who recently underwent surgery or have injuries from accidents or chickenpox.
- People with diabetes.
- People with alcoholism.
With information from EFE.
