Flesh Eating Bacteria Killing People In Japan

A dangerous "flesh-eating" bacteria streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is spreading rapidly in Japan particularly in Tokyo. 

This year Japan has reported 977 cases surpassing the previous record of 941 in 2023. 

STSS is caused by the common strep A bacteria which can lead to severe conditions like necrotizing fasciitis when it invades deep tissues through cuts. 

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches and low blood pressure potentially leading to organ failure and septic shock within 48 hours without prompt antibiotic treatment.

Tokyo has reported 145 cases in the first half of 2024 with most cases in adults over 30 and a death rate of around 30%. 

Prof Jon Cohen from Brighton and Sussex Medical School noted that such surges can occur due to new bacterial strains or local contagion.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic similar spikes in strep A infections were observed in the UK and other countries primarily affecting children. 

Prof Shiranee Sriskandan of Imperial College London suggested that the surge in Japan might be a delayed rebound as social restrictions were lifted creating a pool of susceptible individuals. 

The phased lifting of restrictions globally may explain the current increase in Japan with different seasonal effects on children.