On May 28th, according to the Japan Times, the number of patients with Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), commonly known as "cannibal bacteria" infection, is increasing at the fastest rate in history in Japan, with a 2.8-fold increase within a year.
According to a preliminary report from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, there were a total of 941 STSS patients in 2023, the highest number recorded since 1999. As of May 12th, the total number of patients in Japan this year has reached 851, which is 2.8 times higher than the same period in 2023.
It is understood that the Streptococcus bacteria that cause STSS can be classified into Groups A, B, and G. The highly toxic Group A strain, known as the MIUK strain that was prevalent in the UK in the 2010s, mainly spreads through human contact and airborne droplets. Infected individuals usually show no symptoms, but the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and muscle tissues, occasionally leading to STSS.
Early symptoms of STSS infection include sore throat, fever, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, and possibly low blood pressure. Subsequently, patients may develop soft tissue lesions, respiratory and liver and kidney failure, which can rapidly progress to severe shock. This may manifest as fever, headache, and a characteristic scarlet fever-like rash on the skin.
In severe cases, multiple organ failure and limb necrosis can occur, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. In Japan, there have been cases of patients in a coma for three weeks undergoing 8 surgeries and ultimately needing limb amputation to survive.
Japanese experts are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially the elderly who are at a higher risk of infection.
