A rare and deadly bacterial infection known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is spreading at a record rate in Japan, exceeding 1,000 cases so far this year.
STSS is primarily caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) and can lead to necrosis, organ failure, and death.
Cases of STSS have reached 1,019 in Japan since the beginning of this year, marking a significant increase in the spread of this severe bacterial infection.
STSS, also known as severe invasive streptococcal infection, is a sudden-onset disease that can lead to soft tissue damage, respiratory failure, liver failure, kidney failure, and multi-organ failure. If not treated promptly, the mortality rate can exceed 30 percent.
The initial symptoms of STSS typically include sore throat, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues, as well as septic symptoms like low blood pressure.
The disease has spread rapidly across Japan, alarming health officials and Tokyo has been the most affected area.
The spread of the disease has been linked to the relaxation of Covid-era restrictions.
Experts caution that the early symptoms of this bacterial infection are often mistaken for the common cold, and high fever accompanied by delirium or rapidly spreading redness around a wound are warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
