Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Japan has experienced a concerning increase in cases of a rare and deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection. Known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), this terrifying disease can be fatal within just 48 hours of infection. According to data from Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the country has already reported nearly 1,000 cases this year, exceeding last year’s total.
What is STSS? STSS is a severe infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. The bacteria produce toxins that trigger a hyper-inflammatory response in the body, leading to rapid tissue necrosis, extreme pain, and shock. The bacteria can swiftly enter the bloodstream and organs, causing multi-organ failure in a short period.
Initial symptoms of STSS include fever, muscle pain, and vomiting, but the condition can quickly turn life-threatening with low blood pressure, swelling, and multiple organ failure as the body goes into shock. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as three people will die from the infection.
” A look at the surge in STSS cases in Japan As of 2 June, Japan’s Health Ministry had recorded 977 cases of STSS, which has a mortality rate of up to 30 per cent. Between January and March, 77 people died from the infection. This ongoing outbreak in Japan has already surpassed last year’s previous rec.