An illness caused by a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” that can kill people within 48 hours is spreading in Japan after the country eased Covid-era restrictions.
Cases streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) reached 977 this year by June 2, higher than the record. 941 cases reported for all of last year, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has been tracking cases since 1999.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) usually causes a swollen and sore throat in children, known as “sore throat,” but some types of bacteria can lead to rapid development of symptoms, including pain and swelling of the extremities, fever, low blood pressure which may be followed by necrosis, breathing problems, organ failure and death. People over 50 years of age are more susceptible to the disease.
“Most deaths occur within 48 hours,” he said. Ken Kikuchi, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University. “Once a patient notices foot swelling in the morning, it may spread to the knee by midday and they may die within 48 hours.”
Other countries have experienced recent outbreaks. At least five European countries by the end of 2022 reported The World Health Organization reports an increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS), which includes STSS. The WHO said the rise in cases followed the lifting of Covid restrictions.
At the current rate of infection, the number of cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year, with a “horrific” death rate of 30%, Kikuchi said.
Kikuchi urged people to practice good hand hygiene and treat any open wounds. He said patients can carry the GAS in their intestines, which can contaminate their hands through feces.