According to data from Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the number of cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome reported this year has surpassed that of previous year by about 1,000, indicating a worrisome increase.
With a 30% fatality rate, Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) has 977 cases reported to Japan’s Health Ministry as of June 2. According to the most recent data available, the virus claimed the lives of about 77 persons between January and March.
The current outbreak in Japan has already exceeded the 941 preliminary cases recorded in the previous year, which was the greatest number since data collection in 1999. The second-highest number of deaths in the previous six years was recorded by Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases last year, with 97 deaths associated with STSS.
What is Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome?
A rare yet dangerous bacterial illness called STSS can arise when bacteria enter the bloodstream and deep tissues. Patients initially have fever, sore muscles, and vomiting, but as the body goes into shock, symptoms like low blood pressure, swelling and multiple organ failure may quickly turn potentially fatal.
“Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as three people will die from the infection,” according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which primarily causes fever and throat infections in children, is the cause of the majority of STSS cases. Rarely, the strep A bacteria may generate a toxin that allows it to enter the bloodstream and cause dangerous conditions including toxic shock. In these cases, the bacterium may become invasive.
Additionally, necrotizing fasciitis, or “flesh-eating” fasciitis, can result from strept A and cause limb amputation. But according to the CDC, the majority of patients who have that illness also have other medical conditions like diabetes or cancer that could make it harder for their body to fight infections.
Invasive group A strep infections were largely curbed by Covid-19 controls, such as masking and social distancing, but after those measures were relaxed many countries reported a rise in cases.
The World Health Organization was notified in December 2022 by five European nations of an upsurge in invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS), with children under the age of ten being most affected. At the time, the CDC said that it was also looking into an apparent rise in the disease.
Authorities in Japan issued a warning about a spike in STSS cases in March. According to a risk assessment published by Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the rate of STSS cases brought on by iGAS “has increased since July 2023, especially among those under 50 years of age.”
According to the CDC, older adults with open wounds—including those who have just undergone surgery—are more likely to get STSS.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, the cause of the spike in STSS cases in Japan this year is yet unknown.
“The spike, may be the result of people’s weakened immune systems after Covid” according to Tokyo Women’s Medical University professor Ken Kikuchi.
“If we are in frequent contact with bacteria, our immunity will increase”. However, Kikuchi noted that “during the coronavirus epidemic, that mechanism was not present. Therefore, the dramatic increase in incidence may be accounted for the fact that people are now more susceptible to the infection”.
Read more :- https://thelocaljournalist.com/99000-trees-in-sandur-forest-to-be-razed/
