WEDNESDAY, June 19, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- A deadly bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is spreading across Japan, officials in that country report. In March, Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases issued its first that STSS cases were on the rise. As of June 2, Japan's health ministry has reported for 2024 -- a count that already surpasses last year's total of 941 cases.
That's also nearly two and a half times the number of cases reported in the United States so far this year: have been reported, not far off from the 390 seen at this time last year. The disease is nothing to trifle with: STSS can "develop very quickly into a life-threatening emergency," according to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. First symptoms of STSS often include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, . After 24 to 48 hours, low blood pressure typically develops and can cause more serious issues, including organ failure, increased heart rate and rapid breathing.
"Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as 3 people will die from the infection," the CDC stated. STSS is caused by toxins released by also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which commonly cause sore throat and skin infections, said , an infectious diseases expert and medical contributor.
"Less commonly, GAS causes infection in the blood, lungs, as well as 'flesh-eating' infections," Gounder told . It is not yet understood why.
