Number of infections exceeds 1,000

Japan faces dangerous streptococcus outbreak: Number of infections surpasses 1,000

Japan is seeing a significant increase in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) infections, with the number of cases since the beginning of 2024 exceeding 1,000, according to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID).

This condition is causing deep concern in the medical community because it is a dangerous infectious disease that can cause rapid death if not treated promptly.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Source: NIAID

From the beginning of 2024 to June 9, Japan has recorded 1,019 cases of STSS, a number significantly higher than previous years.

In just the first six months of the year, the number of cases has nearly doubled compared to the whole of 2023, when the total number of infections was 941. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the hardest hit area with 145 infections, mainly in people over the age of 30.

STSS is a serious but rare infection caused mainly by group A Streptococcus bacteria, also known as "flesh-eating" bacteria.

Once in the body, these bacteria can release toxins that cause an overreaction of the immune system, leading to acute toxic shock and organ failure.

The mortality rate of the disease can be as high as 30%, and patients can die within just 48 hours of the first symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, dizziness and vomiting. Doctors recommend that anyone with a high fever accompanied by delirium or red, swollen wounds should be taken to a medical facility immediately.

Prompt and urgent treatment is crucial in saving the life of a patient with STSS. In addition, patients often need to undergo surgery to remove infected tissue. The risk of infection is higher in people with open wounds or patients who have recently undergone surgery or had an infection such as chickenpox. Therefore, proper wound cleaning and care are extremely important to prevent infection.

Japanese health officials are urging the public to be aware of the symptoms of STSS and to seek medical attention promptly when necessary. At the same time, hospitals and medical facilities are being strengthened to cope with the increasing number of patients.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/nhat-ban-doi-mat-voi-dot-bung-phat-lien-cau-khuyen-nguy-hiem-so-ca-nhiem-vuot-moc-1000-d217970.html