Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak in Japan: STSS Cases Soar with High Fatality Rate

March 24, 2024
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak in Japan: STSS Cases Soar with High Fatality Rate
  • A flesh-eating bacterial infection is causing an unprecedented number of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) cases in Japan, with a 30% mortality rate.

  • The number of STSS cases has escalated to 941 in 2023 and 378 in just the first two months of 2024, perplexing health experts.

  • Group A streptococcus, the highly contagious bacteria responsible, poses a significant risk of serious illness and death, especially for adults over 30.

  • The relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions is suspected to have facilitated the spread of the bacteria.

  • Health officials recommend hand washing, wound cleaning, and cough etiquette as preventative measures against the infection.

  • Treatment for severe infections involves antibiotics and potentially tissue removal surgery.

  • The infection is particularly lethal to the under-50 demographic, with 21 deaths out of 65 cases reported from July to December 2023.

Summary based on 1 source


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