Japan warns of flesh-eating bacteria, these are the symptoms

Japanese health authorities are sounding the alarm over a rise in infections from the flesh-eating bacteria, commonly known as group A Streptococcus (GAS) or Streptococcus pyogenes, which can cause serious damage to the human body.

Streptococcus pyogenes is not a new bacteria. First detected in Japan in 1992, an average of 100 to 200 confirmed cases have been reported each year since then; however, by 2023, the number of cases had increased significantly to 941, causing alarm among health authorities.

It is a bacteria that occurs naturally in people’s throats and skin. Although it doesn’t cause problems in most cases, in some people it can cause minor infections, such as strep throat or impetigo.

In rare cases, it can invade the bloodstream and cause a serious infection called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which can lead to tissue death in muscles, skin, and other organs, as well as multi-organ failure and even death.

Symptoms of strep toxic shock syndrome

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strep toxic shock syndrome is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can rapidly progress to death. Main symptoms include:

• high fever
• Chilled all over
• Muscle pain
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• acne
• Puzzled
• hypotension

After the first 24 or 48 hours of infection, the disease may worsen to its most severe symptoms, including hypotension, tachycardia, shortness of breath and other signs that organs are unable to function, known as organ failure.

How do you get flesh-eating bacteria?

It’s important to note that most people exposed to flesh-eating bacteria don’t get sick, but the increase in cases in Japan is a wake-up call, which is why citizens are asked to prevent all sources of infection. as:

• Direct contact with an infected person, either through skin or respiratory secretions, especially if they have a cut or sore, sneeze or cough in our vicinity.
• Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, such as towels, clothing, or toys.
• Consuming food or drinks contaminated with bacteria.
• Swim or wade in water contaminated with bacteria, especially warm or stagnant water.
• Insect bites, especially mosquito or tick bites that are infected with bacteria.

To prevent the spread of cases, health authorities recommend washing hands frequently with soap and water, covering wounds and sores with clean bandages, and not sharing personal items.