July 16, 2024
- A lethal bacterial infection called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) has been spreading across Japan at an alarming rate. The disease is caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria and can kill people within two days.
- According to Japan’s Health Ministry, the number of STSS cases in the country reached approximately 1,000 from the beginning of 2024 to the beginning of June. STSS is also called the ‘flesh-eating’ disease and its mortality rate is 30%.
- The disease’s initial symptoms include vomitting, fever and muscle pain. However, it can cause swelling and organ failure too.
- According to experts, the relaxation of COVID-19 norms and the weakened immune system of people after the COVID-19 pandemic could have caused STSS cases in Japan to spike this year.
Image for representational purposes
