Experts are baffled as to why a rare and deadly flesh-eating disease is spreading throughout Japan. In 2024, the deadline virus infected a record-breaking 977 individuals, with over 30% of those cases culminating in fatalities.
When the body’s immune system overreacts to superantigens in response to an invasive infection caused by the common strep A bacteria, it can result in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, or STSS. Pain, body part swelling, exhaustion, and a high fever are some of the symptoms.
Doctors have advised that rapid swelling and sleepiness should be taken seriously and should be treated right away. Because STSS can cause the death of muscular tissue, some refer to it as a “flesh-eating disease.”
Since its first medical description in 1927, STSS has been most prevalent in poorer countries. In the USA, there are typically three cases for every 100,000 people annually. Over the past two years, Japan has experienced record numbers of infections, despite the fact that health authorities there have noted that they are not the only region reporting an increase in cases. The record number for 2023 was 941; but, as of 2 June, the first half of 2024 has experienced an alarming surge in infection rates, nearly tripling that amount to 977 instances. Tokyo is the area most severely impacted, with 145 cases this year and a death toll of around 30%.
Although adults over 30 are the most commonly affected, scientists note that youngsters can also be susceptible, possibly because their natural immunity may not have developed during Covid lockdowns and social distancing tactics. According to Japan’s health authorities, “an increase in the number of patients with acute pharyngitis caused by group A hemolytic streptococcus since the summer of 2023” may be the explanation of the unexplained surge. Coughing, sneezing, skin contact with an infected individual, and – oftentimes – infection of an open wound are the ways in which one becomes exposed to the disease.
According to Professor Kikuchi Ken of Tokyo Women’s Medical University, an enigmatic number of recent patients are unable to detect any wounds and are instead experiencing symptoms following a bruise.
Antibiotics and emergency surgery to remove infected lesions are possible forms of treatment. Fortunately, basic measures like frequent hand washing and meticulous cleanliness around flesh wounds can help prevent infection before it starts.
Travel to areas where STSS is prevalent or on the rise shouldn’t be avoided, according to the World Health Organization. There are currently no STSS-related travel advisories for Japan.
Travel agencies are asked, however, to make sure prospective tourists are aware of the country’s apparent elevated risk of STSS and the precautions they can take, such as following recommendations from the public health authorities.