Number of 'flesh-eating' STSS bacterial cases in Japan reaches record high

In a statement from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) in Japan, it was stated that the number of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) cases in the country reached 977 as of the beginning of June this year.

It was noted that 941 cases were seen in the same period of 2023, marking a "record level" since records began being kept in 1999.

It was reported that the disease is caused by the "streptococcus pyogenes" bacterium and is frequently associated with sore throats, and can lead to limb necrosis and multiple organ failure in the subsequent period.

Information was provided that infection cases caused by more lethal and contagious strains of the bacterium are being reported increasingly, particularly in the Kanto region centered in the capital, Tokyo.

Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Takemi Keizo, in a statement to reporters regarding the NIID's announcement, pointed to the importance of implementing basic infection prevention measures, saying, "We believe it is necessary to continue monitoring infection trends."

Prof. Dr. Kikuchi Ken, an Infectious Diseases Specialist at Tokyo Women's Medical University, also stated that foot wounds, in particular, are sensitive to streptococcal bacterial infection.

Describing minor wounds such as blisters and athlete's foot as "possible entry points" for the bacterium, Kikuchi drew attention to the fact that the time from infection to death in elderly patients can be as short as 48 hours.

Stating that high fever accompanied by delirium and rapid swelling of wounds are dangerous signs, Kikuchi emphasized that medical help should be sought immediately in such a situation.

Kikuchi used the expression, "The moment a patient notices swelling in their foot in the morning, it can spread to their knee by noon and they can die within 48 hours."

Mie National Hospital Director Taniguchi Kiyosu, in a statement made in May, had stated that the entry of the bacterium in question into the body "could lead to dramatic results" and called for increased measures for disinfecting wounds and hand washing.

STSS, caused by the "flesh-eating" bacterium which is mostly seen in people around the age of 30, is described as "potentially fatal."

News Source: AA