<p>A mysterious bacterial infection is spreading in Japan at a pace never seen before even as authorities struggle to establish a cause. According to the data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), the number of cases of a group A streptococcal disease – streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) – in 2024 is expected to surpass the record level earlier noted in 2023. While a total of 941 cases were recorded in the last year, a whopping 378 cases have already been registered in the first two months of 2024.</p>

<p>“There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms behind fulminant (severe and sudden) forms of streptococcus, and we are not at the stage where we can explain them,” said NIID in a statement.</p>

<p>Of Japan’s 47 prefectures, 45 have recorded STSS cases so far this year.</p>

<h2><strong>What causes STSS?</strong></h2>

<p>The primary cause of STSS is a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, often referred to as strep A. This bacterium commonly causes sore throats, particularly in children, with many individuals unknowingly carrying it without showing symptoms.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan: Advancing tech landscape with women in science &amp; technology | WION Newspoint</strong></p>

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<p>However, the highly contagious nature of the bacteria can lead to severe illnesses, complications in health, and even fatalities, especially among adults over 30, with approximately 30 per cent of STSS cases proving fatal.</p>

<h2><strong>Even adults fall prey to the disease</strong></h2>

<p>While older individuals are traditionally deemed more vulnerable, recent data from the NIID reveals a concerning trend of increased mortality among patients under 50 due to the Group A strain.</p>

<p>According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, of the 65 individuals under 50 diagnosed with STSS between July and December in 2023, approximately one-third, or 21 individuals, succumbed to the infection.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdgNT-5_aEAxXFs1YBHXagA0UQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japans-economy-evades-recession-but-concerns-persist-over-weak-recovery-698941" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japans-economy-evades-recession-but-concerns-persist-over-weak-recovery-698941&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdgNT-5_aEAxXFs1YBHXagA0UQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Japan`s economy evades recession, but concerns persist over weak recovery</a></strong></p>

<p>Professor Ken Kikuchi, specialising in infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, expressed significant concerns over the sharp rise in severe invasive streptococcal infections this year.</p>

<p>“People’s immunological status after recovering from Covid-19 might alter their susceptibility to some microorganisms. We need to clarify the infection cycle of severe invasive streptococcal pyogenes diseases and get them under control immediately,” he was quoted as saying by the Guardian.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A mysterious bacterial infection is spreading in Japan at a pace never seen before even as authorities struggle to establish a cause. According to the data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), the number of cases of a group A streptococcal disease – streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) – in 2024 is expected to surpass the record level earlier noted in 2023.

A mysterious bacterial infection is spreading in Japan at a pace never seen before even as authorities struggle to establish a cause. According to the data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), the number of cases of a group A streptococcal disease – streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) – in 2024 is expected to surpass the record level earlier noted in 2023. While a total of 941 cases were recorded in the last year, a whopping 378 cases have already been registered in the first two months of 2024. “There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms behind fulminant (severe and sudden) forms of streptococcus, and we are not at the stage where we can explain them,” said NIID in a statement. Of Japan’s 47 prefectures, 45 have recorded STSS cases so far this year. What causes STSS? The primary cause of STSS is a bacterium known as Streptococcus pyogenes, often referred to as strep A. This bacterium commonly causes sore throats, particularly in children, with many individuals unknowingly carrying it without showing symptoms. Watch: Japan: Advancing tech landscape with women in science & technology | WION Newspoint × However, the highly contagious nature of the bacteria can lead to severe illnesses, complications in health, and even fatalities, especially among adults over 30, with approximately 30 per cent of STSS cases proving fatal. Even adults fall prey to the disease While older individuals are traditionally deemed more vulnerable, recent data from the NIID reveals a concerning trend of increased mortality among patients under 50 due to the Group A strain. According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, of the 65 individuals under 50 diagnosed with STSS between July and December in 2023, approximately one-third, or 21 individuals, succumbed to the infection. Also read: Japan`s economy evades recession, but concerns persist over weak recovery Professor Ken Kikuchi, specialising in infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, expressed significant concerns over the sharp rise in severe invasive streptococcal infections this year. “People’s immunological status after recovering from Covid-19 might alter their susceptibility to some microorganisms. We need to clarify the infection cycle of severe invasive streptococcal pyogenes diseases and get them under control immediately,” he was quoted as saying by the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Mysterious, deadly bacteria spreading in Japan at record pace baffles authorities

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<p><strong>Alaskapox virus:</strong> Health officials in Alaska have confirmed the first death from a newly found viral disease, Alaskapox. An elderly immunocompromised man from the Kenai peninsula in the south of Anchorage was the first victim of the viral disease.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about Alaskapox, its symptoms and its treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What Is Alaskapox Virus?</strong></h2>

<p>First identified in an adult in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2015, Alaskapox is a double-stranded-DNA virus which comes from the same genus as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox. It is the most common in small mammals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the State of Alaska's website, "To date, no human-to-human transmission of Alaskapox virus has been documented. However, since certain orthopoxviruses can be transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions, we recommend that people with skin lesions possibly caused by Alaskapox keep the affected area covered with a bandage."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/here-is-why-nasa-wants-to-put-nuclear-reactor-on-moon-and-ditch-solar-energy-688992">Here is why NASA wants to put nuclear reactor on Moon and ditch solar energy</a></p>

<p>It adds, "Symptoms of Alaskapox have included one or more skin lesions (bumps or pustules) and other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and joint and/or muscle pain. Immunocompromised people might be at increased risk for more severe illness."</p>

<h2><strong>Is Alaskapox fatal?</strong></h2>

<p>The official website of the Alaska Division of Public Health says, "Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. There has been one patient with an immunocompromising condition that developed severe disease and died after prolonged illness."</p>

<p>The man was among the only seven people infected with Alaskapox. "People should not necessarily be concerned but more aware," said Julia Rogers, a state epidemiologist, reported New York Post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So we're hoping to make clinicians more aware of what Alaskapox virus is so that they can identify signs and symptoms," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the deceased man's case, it took several months to diagnose the fatal case. As per the authorities, the patient's immunocompromised condition might have led to his death. However, it is still unclear how he contracted the disease.</p>

<p>Doctors speculate that he might've contracted Alaskapox from the cat he lived up to, as he lived alone in the woods and did not travel recently. The symptoms began after the cat, which often hunted small mammals, scratched him. Although the cat tested negative for the virus, health officials believe it spread from its claws.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December, the health officials ran some tests on the man and initially detected cowpox. However, after additional testing, the Centers for Disease Control revealed it was Alaskapox.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Alaskapox virus: Health officials in Alaska have confirmed the first death from a newly found viral disease, Alaskapox. An elderly immunocompromised man from the Kenai peninsula in the south of Anchorage was the first victim of the viral disease.

Alaskapox virus: Health officials in Alaska have confirmed the first death from a newly found viral disease, Alaskapox. An elderly immunocompromised man from the Kenai peninsula in the south of Anchorage was the first victim of the viral disease. Here's everything you need to know about Alaskapox, its symptoms and its treatment. What Is Alaskapox Virus? First identified in an adult in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2015, Alaskapox is a double-stranded-DNA virus which comes from the same genus as smallpox, monkeypox, and cowpox. It is the most common in small mammals. According to the State of Alaska's website, "To date, no human-to-human transmission of Alaskapox virus has been documented. However, since certain orthopoxviruses can be transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions, we recommend that people with skin lesions possibly caused by Alaskapox keep the affected area covered with a bandage." ALSO READ | Here is why NASA wants to put nuclear reactor on Moon and ditch solar energy It adds, "Symptoms of Alaskapox have included one or more skin lesions (bumps or pustules) and other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and joint and/or muscle pain. Immunocompromised people might be at increased risk for more severe illness." Is Alaskapox fatal? The official website of the Alaska Division of Public Health says, "Nearly all patients had mild illnesses that resolved on their own after a few weeks. There has been one patient with an immunocompromising condition that developed severe disease and died after prolonged illness." The man was among the only seven people infected with Alaskapox. "People should not necessarily be concerned but more aware," said Julia Rogers, a state epidemiologist, reported New York Post. "So we're hoping to make clinicians more aware of what Alaskapox virus is so that they can identify signs and symptoms," she added. In the deceased man's case, it took several months to diagnose the fatal case. As per the authorities, the patient's immunocompromised condition might have led to his death. However, it is still unclear how he contracted the disease. Doctors speculate that he might've contracted Alaskapox from the cat he lived up to, as he lived alone in the woods and did not travel recently. The symptoms began after the cat, which often hunted small mammals, scratched him. Although the cat tested negative for the virus, health officials believe it spread from its claws. In December, the health officials ran some tests on the man and initially detected cowpox. However, after additional testing, the Centers for Disease Control revealed it was Alaskapox. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Alaskapox? The newly-found viral disease that has already claimed one life

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Mysterious, deadly bacteria spreading in Japan at record pace baffles authorities

What is Alaskapox? The newly-found viral disease that has already claimed one life