After coronavirus restrictions were eased, a disease caused by a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” that can kill people within 48 hours has spread in Japan.
Cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) had reached 977 cases this year by June 2.
That’s higher than the record 941 cases reported throughout last year, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has been tracking cases of the disease since 1999.
Swelling and sore throat
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) commonly causes swelling and inflammation of the throat in children, known as “strep throat.”
But some types of bacteria can cause symptoms to rapidly develop, including extremity pain and swelling, fever and low blood pressure, which can be followed by necrosis, breathing problems, organ failure and death.
People over the age of 50 are most susceptible to the disease.
In turn, Ken Kikuchi, professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, explained that “most deaths occur within 48 hours.”
He continued, “Once a patient notices swelling in his foot in the morning, it can extend to the knee by noon, and he can die within 48 hours.”
2500 expected cases
He also added, “At the current rate of infections, the number of cases in Japan may reach 2,500 this year, with a terrifying death rate of up to 30%.”
Kikuchi urged people to keep hands clean and treat any open wounds.
Other countries have seen recent outbreaks of the disease. In late 2022, at least five European countries reported to the World Health Organization an increase in cases of invasive streptococcal disease (iGAS), which includes STSS.
The World Health Organization said the rise in cases came after the end of Covid restrictions.
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