In recent days you will have heard reports of “flesh-eating bacteria” spreading in Japan, referring to a disease that may occur with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).
Media reports indicate that the country saw this occur over 1000 cases STSS in the primary six months of 2024, which is greater than the overall for all of 2023. However, these cases haven’t yet been published in peer-reviewed journals, so the reports is probably not completely accurate.
STSS is brought on by bacteria, or “Strep A”. These bacteria are quite common, but some strains may cause more serious illness – called invasive group A streptococcal disease.
From 2022, many countries, including: Australia, United Statesand countries in Europereported a rise within the incidence of severe invasive group A streptococcal disease. This rapid increase is a component of an overall increase Strep A infections.
So what’s STSS, why is it skyrocketing now, and is it a cause for concern?
Who receives STSS?
Whenever, many individuals can be “colonized” by Strep A, which suggests the bacteria lives harmlessly within the throat or on the skin.
Strep A also causes sore throats (“sore throat”) and skin infections. Sometimes, for reasons which might be still not entirely clear, Strep A causes invasive infections resembling pneumonia, nasty “flesh-eating” skin infections, and STSS. Strep A is thus a very important reason for sepsis, a term that broadly refers to a life-threatening infection.
STSS is probably the most severe Strep A disease, although fortunately it is extremely rare. It mainly affects young children and elderly but cases occur in any respect ages. There can also be pregnant people higher riskalso shortly after delivery.
What are the symptoms?
IN STSSthe bacterium produces a toxin that may trigger an amazing immune response in some people.
The disease can develop into life-threatening inside just a few hours and has a high mortality rate – up to 40% individuals who develop STSS will die.
However, early signs and symptoms of STSS may overlap with common viral diseases, especially in children, making diagnosis difficult.
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Symptoms are unclear in early invasive group A streptococcal infections – for instance, fever, rash and nausea. But it is important to watch out about this signs of sepsiswhich suggests something more serious could also be happening.
The symptoms of more severe invasive group A streptococcal disease, including STSS, are similar to those seen with other bacterial causes of sepsis (resembling meningococcal disease). These include lethargy (drowsiness), rapid respiratory, a rapidly changing rash, muscle aches and confusion.
STSS sometimes co-occurs with a condition called necrotizing fasciitis, also brought on by Strep A, which is a “flesh-eating” symptom of infection. This happens when skin cells die in response to toxins produced by bacteria.
Parents of young children should trust their intuition. If you’re concerned that your child is sicker than usual with a typical infection, especially if she or he has cold extremities, a red rash (resembling sunburn), or is less reactive, seek immediate medical attention at the closest emergency department.
Why now?
Research suggests that it is for certain more virulent strains Strep A could also be one part of the present increase in STSS.
Additionally, in 2020–2021, throughout the height of the COVID pandemic, when there was less close contact between people, the danger of exposure to Strep A (and other bacteria and viruses) was also lower. Especially for younger children, this meant that this was not the case construct partial protection against bad Strep A infections that result from repeated exposure.
As contact with people increases from 2022, Strep A transmission is more likely to occur and kids are at greater risk of contracting more serious diseases, including STSS.
This just isn’t unique to Japan. Although rare, we’ve seen many cases of STSS In Australia and anywhere.
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How is STSS treated and might we prevent it?
Strep A might be killed by penicillin, one in all the oldest and most generally available antibiotics. When STSS is diagnosed early, antibiotics normally prevent probably the most serious complications.
Other medications, resembling immunoglobulin, could also be needed to stop the uncontrolled immune response, and patients often require support within the intensive care unit.
There isn’t any vaccine to prevent STSS and other Strep A infections (unlike other bacteria resembling meningococci and pneumococci, that are present in national childhood vaccination program).
Scientists in Australia and all over the world are working hard to find it vaccine to prevent Strep A infections.
Serious Strep A infections, resembling STSS, often follow viral infections, especially Chickenpox AND fluso stay awake to date with vaccines in national schedule (including chickenpox) and ensuring vaccination against seasonal flu, reduces risk.
Strep A can spread through large respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected people or carriers. Simple Hygiene products (e.g. washing hands and covering coughs) reduce the quantity of Strep A circulating in the neighborhood.
Are you planning a visit to Japan? There isn’t any need to cancel your holiday
STSS is a rare but serious complication of Strep A infection that may occur in people anywhere. So, unless you are going to the South Pole alone, your risk of contracting a serious infection could be very similar (and really low).
Make sure you are up to date in your vaccinations, including the seasonal flu vaccine. Always follow hand hygiene and remember the symptoms of significant bacterial infections requiring urgent medical attention.