Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak in Japan: STSS Cases Soar with High Fatality Rate
March 24, 2024A 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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Source
New York Post • Mar 24, 2024
Deadly flesh-eating infection spreading at record levels in Japan, puzzling health officials