Streptococcal toxic shock surge hits Japan with 977 cases, 77 dead
A dangerous bacterium causing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is spreading in Japan. As of June 2, the number of cases has reached 977, more than the previous year. The latest data indicates that between January and March, around 77 people died due to the infection.
4:03 PM EDT, June 17, 2024
According to the Japanese public broadcaster NHK, why this year's increase in STSS cases in Japan remains unclear.
STSS stands for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. People over the age of 50 are most susceptible to this infection.
Bacterial infections can lead to the rapid development of symptoms such as limb pain and swelling, fever, low blood pressure, breathing problems, or organ failure.
“At the current infection rate, the number of cases in Japan may reach 2,500 this year, with a mortality rate of 30 per cent,” said Ken Kikuchi, a professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Medical University for Women, in an interview with "The Japan Times." He added, "Most deaths occur within 48 hours."
“As soon as a patient notices swelling of the foot in the morning, by the afternoon, it can spread to the knee, and the patient may 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 being kept in 1999. The Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases recorded 97 deaths due to STSS last year.
Most cases of STSS are caused by group A streptococcal bacteria. In rare cases, 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 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people infected with STSS also had other underlying conditions that may have weakened the body's ability to fight the infection.
