'Deaths happen within 48 hours': Rare flesh-eating bacteria spreads in Japan

Japan is currently witnessing a sharp rise in a disease caused by a rare "flesh-eating bacteria", Bloomberg reported on Saturday (Jun 15). The bacteria can kill people within 48 hours. It has been spreading after the country relaxed Covid-era restrictions.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) mentioned that there had been 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) this year as of June 2, a number that is more than the record 941 cases reported last year. NIID has been monitoring the disease's occurrences since 1999.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a serious complication of group A Streptococcus infection with a high mortality rate. Expert-based reports have noted that rapid detection, early intensive care support and surgical management are vital while treating these patients.

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Group A Streptococcus (GAS) typically causes swelling and sore throat in children known as "strep throat". The first symptoms of STSS often include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.

Once the first symptoms start, low blood pressure develops in about 24 to 48 hours. Once this happens, STSS quickly gets much more serious with serious conditions like: hypotension (low blood pressure), organ failure (other signs that organs are not working), tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing).

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The report mentioned that some types of bacteria can lead to symptoms developing rapidly, including limb pain and swelling, fever and low blood pressure. These symptoms can be followed by necrosis, breathing problems, organ failure and death. People over 50 are more prone to the disease.

"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," saidKen Kikuchi, a professor in infectious diseases at Tokyo Women's Medical University, according toBloomberg,

Kikuchi said that 2,500 cases could occur in Japan this year at the present pace of infections, with a "terrifying" 30% death rate. He also advised everyone to treat any open wounds and practise good hand hygiene.

(With inputs from agencies)