Japan reports a spike in possible fatalities bacterial infections.
According to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the number of cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), which is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, has reached 977 cases so far this year.
That's almost triple the number of cases reported this time last year.
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The cause of the increase is not known.
According to Ken Kikuchi, a professor at Tokyo Women's Medical University, it could be related to weakened immunity after the COVID pandemic.
Takeshita Street in Harajuku is one of the most popular streets in Tokyo. Japan is currently reporting a spike in potentially fatal bacterial infections. (iStock)
'We can strengthen immunity if we do that continuously exposed to bacteriabut that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic,” Kikuchi told NKH World Japan.
“So more people are now susceptible to infections, and that could be a reason for the sharp rise in cases.”
“It can lead to sepsis and death if not treated quickly with antibiotics and fluids.”
Thomas Moore, MD, clinical professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, said he's not convinced the pandemic is the culprit.
“I can't say for sure that that's wrong, but this is something where it spreads more easily when people are packed together, like in Tokyo,” he said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. (iStock)
“So it's not so much an effect of weakened immunity, but rather very strong immunity – a strong immunological response that leads to the disease.”
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Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor warned that STSS can overcome an immune system that is not functioning properly.
“It's like toxic shock syndrome, but with strep instead of staph,” he told Fox News Digital.
What is STSS?
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious form bacterial infectionas defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It occurs when Group A Streptococcus bacteria enter deep tissues and the bloodstream.
“Everyone is familiar with strep throat, and it's generally the same organism,” Moore said.
“The main difference between common strep throat and this specific condition is a specific gene that produces a toxin that results in this serious outbreak,” said an expert. (iStock)
“The main difference between common strep throat and this specific condition is a specific gene that produces a toxin that results in this serious outbreak.”
Although STSS does not usually spread from person to person, the less serious group A streptococcal infection – which can lead to STSS if it spreads to the tissues or the bloodstream – is highly contagious.
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The first symptoms usually include fever and chills, muscle aches and pain nausea and vomitingaccording to the CDC.
Within a day or two, blood pressure begins to drop, which can lead to more dangerous effects such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, blood poisoning, tissue death, and organ failure.
People with STSS require hospitalization and immediate medical care, including intravenous fluids and other treatments for shock and organ failure, the CDC says. (iStock)
STSS can be fatal: about one in ten patients die from the infection.
Although there is no specific test for STSS, the diagnosis is made based on the presence of group A streptococci, low blood pressure, and problems with two or more organs (blood, kidney, liver, lung, skin, or soft tissue).
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Higher risk groups include: elderly people over 65 years oldpeople with open wounds and people with diabetes or alcohol use disorders, according to the CDC.
People with STSS require hospitalization immediate medical careincluding intravenous fluids and other treatments for shock and organ failure, the agency said on its website.
Regular hand washing is one of the most effective prevention tactics, doctors say. (iStock)
“It can lead to sepsis and death if not treated quickly with antibiotics and fluids,” Siegel warned.
In severe cases, he said, patients may require surgery to remove infected tissue or even limb amputation.
Prevention tips
Although there is no vaccine for group A streptococcal infections, the CDC recommends implementing prevention tips – mainly limiting exposure to those who are infected.
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It is also important to properly clean and care for wounds and fungal infections.
“If it gets on your skin where you have some sort of break, it can enter the lymphatic system and cause an infection,” Moore warned.
According to experts, it is important to properly clean and care for wounds and fungal infections to prevent infection. (iStock)
The doctor usually sees this in people with swelling of their legs due to obesitydiabetes or a condition such as athlete's foot, he said.
“If a strep infection enters through other parts of the body, such as the legs or a surgical incision, it can be quite serious,” he said.
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Washing hands frequently, following proper coughing and sneezing etiquette and washing all dishes thoroughly after use can help prevent spread, the CDC said.
Antibiotic treatment also minimizes infection.
