There is a deadly infection originating from Japan that is spreading rapidly. The disease, known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), has a fatality rate of 30%.
According to recent reports by The Guardian in the UK and Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), the number of cases this year is expected to exceed the total number of outbreaks last year, causing significant concern within Japan.
Preliminary figures from the NIID indicate that there were 941 cases of STSS last year, and already in the first two months of this year, 378 cases have been reported.
In particular, cases of infection have been confirmed in 45 out of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
STSS is caused by Pyogenic streptococcal bacteria and is classified as a high-risk in the elderly group.
It has emerged that about a third of patients under 50 who were diagnosed with STSS last year, or 21 people, died, raising foremost concerns among the younger population.
STSS is known primarily as a bacteria that causes sore throats in children and is highly contagious.
According to research, the disease primarily occurs in younger age groups, but in adults over 30, it carries a risk of more severe disease, complications, and even death.
The bacteria was observed to cause symptoms similar to the common cold at first but are latent to develop into more serious diseases such as septic tonsillitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, meningitis, multiple organ failure, and tissue necrosis.
The Japanese infectious disease STSS is transmitted through droplets and physical exposure and can also be transmitted through wounds on the hands and feet.
To prevent the Japanese virus, it is crucial to practice hand washing and cough etiquette. Treatment primarily uses antibiotics, and patients with significant conditions may require additional combination drug therapy.
Kikuchi Ken, a professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, expressed concern about the “sharp increase in the number of severe invasive streptococcal infection patients this year” and mentioned the possibility that changes in people’s immunological status due to COVID-19 may have influenced this increase.
With the spread of infectious diseases in Japan, it is crucial to continuously monitor and strengthen preventive measures.
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