A rare and potentially deadly bacterial infection that can cause skin tissue to rapidly deteriorate is on the rise in Japan following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, Bloomberg News has reported, citing health authorities.
Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), caused by certain strains of Group A Streptococcus bacteria, reached 977 by June 2 this year, surpassing the record 941 cases reported for the entire previous year, according to data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.
Deadly 'flesh-eating bacteria' outbreak sweeps Japan, death toll mounts; Here's all you need to knowhttps://t.co/jfQKKOLb1i
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"As soon as a patient notices swelling in foot in the morning, it can expand to the knee by noon, and they can die within 48 hours," Ken Kikuchi, a professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Women's Medical University, told Bloomberg. "Most of the deaths happen within 48 hours."
While Group A Streptococcus typically causes mild infections like strep throat, particularly in children, some strains can lead to rapidly progressing symptoms, including limb pain, swelling, fever, low blood pressure, tissue necrosis, breathing problems, and organ failure.
Kikuchi warned that at the current rate of infections, Japan could see around 2,500 cases this year, with a "terrifying" mortality rate of 30%. The surge in STSS cases in Japan follows a similar pattern observed in several European nations late last year, where the World Health Organization reported an increase in invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
To prevent the spread of the infection, Kikuchi urged the public to maintain good hand hygiene and promptly treat any open wounds, as patients may carry the bacteria in their intestines, potentially contaminating their hands through feces.
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