Japan is experiencing a significant increase in cases caused by a rare “flesh-eating bacteria,” Bloomberg reported on Saturday (Jun 15). This bacteria can be fatal within 48 hours and has been spreading since the country eased Covid-era restrictions.
According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), there had been 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) this year as of June 2, surpassing the previous record of 941 cases reported last year. The NIID has been tracking the disease since 1999.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a severe complication of group A Streptococcus infection with a high fatality rate. Experts emphasize that rapid detection, early intensive care, and surgical intervention are crucial for treating these patients.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) typically causes swelling and sore throat in children, known as “strep throat.” The initial symptoms of STSS often include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Rapid progression of severe symptoms within 24 to 48 hours
Once the first symptoms start, low blood pressure develops in about 24 to 48 hours. Once this happens, STSS quickly gets much more serious with serious conditions like: hypotension (low blood pressure), organ failure (other signs that organs are not working), tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing).
The report highlighted that certain bacteria types can cause rapid symptom development, including limb pain and swelling, fever, and low blood pressure. These symptoms can progress to necrosis, respiratory issues, organ failure, and death. Individuals over 50 are more susceptible to the disease.
Ken Kikuchi, a professor in infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, told Bloomberg,
“Most of the deaths happen within 48 hours. If a patient notices swelling in the foot in the morning, it can spread to the knee by noon, and they can die within 48 hours.”
Kikuchi estimated that, at the current infection rate, Japan could see 2,500 cases this year with a “terrifying” 30% mortality rate. He also advised treating any open wounds and practicing good hand hygiene.