Deadly strep shock syndrome outbreak hits record in Japan
6:06 PM EDT, June 17, 2024
A dangerous bacterium causing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is spreading in Japan. By June 2, the number of cases had reached 977, surpassing the total from the previous year. The latest available data indicate that approximately 77 people died from the infection between January and March.
According to the Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the cause of this year's increase in STSS cases in Japan remains unclear.
STSS stands for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Individuals over the age of 50 are most susceptible to this infection.
The bacterial infection can lead to the rapid development of symptoms such as pain and swelling of the limbs, fever, low blood pressure, breathing problems, or organ failure.
Ken Kikuchi, a professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Medical University for Women, stated in an interview with "The Japan Times" that, "At the current infection rate, the number of cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year, with a mortality rate of 30 percent." He added, "Most deaths occur within 48 hours."
"As soon as a patient notices swelling in the foot in the morning, it can spread to the knee by noon, and the patient can die within 48 hours," explained Kikuchi.
Highest rate since 1999
The ongoing epidemic in Japan has already surpassed last year's record of 941 initial infections, the highest since statistics began in 1999. The Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases recorded 97 deaths from STSS last year.
Most STSS cases are caused by group A streptococcal bacteria. In rare instances, group A strep can become invasive when the bacterium produces a toxin that allows it to enter the bloodstream, causing severe illnesses such as toxic shock.
According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who were infected with STSS mostly had other accompanying diseases that could have weakened the body's ability to fight the infection.
