What is the “flesh-eating disease” shaking Japan: cases are increasing

Japanese health authorities are on alert and expectant, after The number of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome infections has soared in recent weeks, reaching nearly 400 cases so far in 2024.

This disease is also known as “flesh-eating disease”. since when cases become serious, can cause necrosis of the tissues covering the muscles the patient suffers toxic shock and dies.

The Asian country is already “accustomed” to suffering from this disease. And out of a population of 125 million, they recorded between 100 and 200 cases per year. However, What worries the authorities is that this year, in just three months, almost 400 people have been registered.

That’s all you need to know about this disease.

As reported by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Strep toxic shock syndrome is a bacterial infection. Its contagion is generally “rare”, but serious, and can progress in the blink of an eye.

It is caused by a bacteria called group A streptococcus. that, although in the majority of infected people it does not cause symptoms or they are very mild (such as sore throat or skin infections), If the bacteria reaches the bloodstream, muscles or lungs, it can become complicated, affect the organs and lead to death (mortality is between 30 and 70%).

The form of contagion is still under study: In half of cases, according to the CDC, it is not known how the bacteria managed to enter the body, but it is possible that it is through cuts or injuries to the skin and mucous membranes (nose and throat).

In this sense, treatment usually consists of hospitalization to provide antibiotics and eliminate the source of the infection. For the latter, surgical intervention is sometimes necessary.

According to Japanese Minister of Health Keizo Takemi, measures to prevent this disease should focus on “Keep your fingers and hands clean and practice cough etiquette.” And according to the authority, streptococcus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms of “flesh-eating disease” ”, according to the CDC are:

• Fever and chills.
• Muscle aches.
• Nausea and vomiting.

After the onset of these symptoms, The patient may have low blood pressure. This would indicate that the syndrome is becoming a serious case. These are the following symptoms:

• Low blood pressure (hypotension).
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia).
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea).
• Other signs that organs are not working (organ failure).