Rising Cases of Fatal Bacterial Infections Grip Japan Amid Pandemic-Related Concerns
Japan is facing a concerning surge in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. According to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, as of June 2, 2024, the country has reported 977 cases of STSS this year, nearly triple the number reported at the same time last year.
The exact cause behind this sharp rise remains unknown, prompting speculation among experts. Professor Ken Kikuchi from Tokyo Women’s Medical University suggested a possible link to weakened immunity following the COVID-19 pandemic. “We can boost immunity if we are constantly exposed to bacteria, but that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic,” Kikuchi explained to NHK World Japan.
However, not all experts agree on this theory. Dr. Thomas Moore, a clinical professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, cautioned against attributing the surge solely to weakened immunity. “It’s more about how these infections spread in densely populated areas like Tokyo,” he noted in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs when Group A Streptococcus bacteria invade deep tissues and the bloodstream, triggering severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and rapid progression to organ failure. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, likened it to toxic shock syndrome but caused by strep instead of staph bacteria. “It can lead to sepsis and death if not treated quickly with antibiotics and fluids,” Siegel emphasized.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines that STSS, although rare, requires immediate medical attention due to its rapid onset and potential for fatal outcomes. Treatment involves intravenous antibiotics and supportive care to manage shock and prevent organ damage.
While there is no vaccine for Group A strep infections, the CDC advises preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, proper wound care, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals to reduce the risk of transmission. These precautions are crucial, especially for individuals at higher risk, including older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Higher-risk groups include older adults over 65, people with open wounds, and those with diabetes or alcohol use disorder, according to the CDC.
As Japan grapples with this alarming increase in STSS cases, health authorities emphasize the importance of early detection and swift medical intervention to mitigate the impact of this potentially deadly infection.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
