Dangerous new bacteria – able to kill in two days – spreading in Japan
A disease caused by a rare ‘flesh-eating bacterium’ that can kill people within 48 hours is spreading in Japan, Bloomberg reports
According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan, by June 2nd, 2024, the number of cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) reached 977, thus exceeding the record 941 cases reported for the whole of last year.
“Most of the deaths happen within 48 hours. As soon as a patient notices swelling in foot in the morning, it can expand to the knee by noon, and they can die within 48 hours,” said Professor in Infectious Diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University Ken Kikuchi noted.
Group A streptococcus (GAS) usually causes swelling and sore throat in children, known as pharyngitis, but some types of bacteria can lead to rapid development of symptoms, including pain and swelling of limbs, fever, decreased blood pressure, which can be followed by necrosis, breathing problems, organ failure and death. People over the age of 50 are more susceptible to this disease.
According to the professor, at the current rate of infection, the number of cases in Japan may reach 2,500 this year, and the death rate will be 30 percent. The specialist urged people to observe hand hygiene and treat any open wounds.
