Japan Faces Surge in Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases

Health officials in Japan are on high alert after reporting close to 1,000 cases of a deadly infection known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), or “flesh-eating bacteria.” The disease, which spreads rapidly and can result in death within a short period, has seen a significant rise in cases this year.

By June 2, STSS cases had reached 977, surpassing last year’s total of 941 cases, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

What is Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome?

STSS is a rare but severe bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. When these bacteria enter deep tissues and the bloodstream, they release toxins that trigger a rapid and dangerous response in the body, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While it is rare for someone with STSS to spread the infection directly to others, less severe infections with group A strep can progress to STSS if untreated.

Symptoms

STSS begins with initial symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Within 24 to 48 hours, it can escalate to:

• Low blood pressure
• Organ failure
• Rapid heart rate
• Fast breathing

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) typically causes strep throat in children but can lead to severe symptoms in adults, including limb pain, swelling, fever, and low blood pressure. This can quickly worsen to tissue death, breathing problems, organ failure, and sometimes death, especially in individuals over 50.

Prevention

Preventing STSS involves:

• Practicing good hygiene, such as regular hand washing and covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing.
• Properly caring for wounds and seeking medical attention for any signs of infection to prevent the bacteria from causing further infections that can lead to STSS.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing STSS involves several tests, including:

• Blood tests to detect group A strep bacteria and check organ function.
• Confirming the diagnosis when a group A strep infection is present along with low blood pressure and signs of two or more organ failures, such as kidney or liver problems.

Treatment

Treating STSS includes:

• Administering strong antibiotics through an IV to kill the bacteria.
• Providing fluids to stabilize blood pressure and support organ function.
• In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue and prevent further complications.

Early medical intervention is crucial to improve recovery chances and reduce the risk of serious complications or death from STSS.