Japan sounds alarm over mysterious strep bacteria causing serious infections

Outbreaks of acute bacterial infections caused by hemolytic streptococci are causing concern in Japan because they are spreading at an alarming rate compared with the previous year, and such infections are known to have a high mortality rate of 30-70% is known for its significant increase in the number of infections. The first two months of 2024.

While the root cause of this rapid spread has not yet been identified, Japan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has stepped up surveillance efforts, focusing on investigating strains that are highly pathogenic and contagious, creating uncertainty in the work of health authorities. Spread the word and find answers to this mysterious outbreak.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which is caused in most cases by group A Streptococcus, was first reported in the country in 1992, with an average of 100 to 200 confirmed cases since then, but last year’s 941 cases exceeded According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), 894 cases were recorded in 2019.

Bacteria in Japan: It’s not clear how the infection worsens

Group A Streptococcus strains (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes) can cause pharyngitis, tonsillitis, skin and soft tissue infections, bacteremia, and scarlet fever. Since the late 1980s, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome caused by GAS infection has become a major health problem in many countries.

Its characteristic symptoms progress rapidly from the onset and are fulminant. Patients may develop necrotizing fasciitis, acute renal failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ failure within hours of onset. , leading to shock and death. even death.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said it was unclear how the infection escalated, but an epidemic of sore throats in children since last summer was thought to be a factor in the increase in severe cases. In addition, highly pathogenic Group A Streptococcus strains reported in the UK have also been confirmed in the country.

Meanwhile, health agencies stress that basic infection control measures such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette are crucial as the disease spreads through droplets or human contact. Group A strep infections can be treated with antibiotics, but patients with more severe invasive disease may require a combination of these and other drugs, as well as intensive care.