Tokyo raises alarm as deadly bacterial infection cases surge: media
Japan's Tokyo metropolitan government has issued a warning following a significant increase in cases of a rare yet severe bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), local media reported on Monday.
The latest figures reveal that the number of cases has surpassed half of last year's count, reaching 88 cases in the capital alone, while nationwide infections stand at 517, according to The Japan Times.
STSS, often referred to as the flesh-eating disease and typically caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, can lead to tissue necrosis, with a mortality rate of around 30 percent of infected individuals in 2023, according to the Tokyo metropolitan government.
Tokyo had 88 patients as of March 17, the paper reported, citing a city meeting on infectious disease control last Friday. In 2023, the capital reported a total of 141 cases and 42 deaths linked to STSS infections.
Tokyo's authorities have urged individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as limb pain and swelling or fever, indicative of STSS infection.
Group A streptococcus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact, as well as through wounds on the hands or feet. Health officials emphasize the importance of basic preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and proper wound care.
The rise in STSS cases is believed to be associated with a variant known as the M1UK strain, which has been increasingly detected in patients since mid-November 2023.
While individuals aged 40 and older have historically accounted for about 90 percent of cases each year in Tokyo, there was a notable increase in infections among individuals in their 40s in 2023, said the paper, citing the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.
Related articles
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
CAIRO (AP) — Human rights experts working for the United Nations on Monday urged Yemen’s Houthi rebe2024-05-21Tennessee judge wants more information on copyright before ruling on school shooter's writings
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee judge on Wednesday seemed ready to agree with an attorney for Na2024-05-21Taylor Swift fans wait in line for FIVE hours as star launches pop
Taylor Swift mania took over the Grove shopping center in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 34-year-old Ka2024-05-21- DETROIT (AP) — Josh Smith’s pinch-hit double in the top of the ninth drove home the winning run and2024-05-21
Rangers are undefeated at .500 to keep World Series champs from a losing record with Bochy
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers are undefeated this season2024-05-21South Carolina coach Dawn Staley gushes over congratulations from Queen B
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley has met plenty of noteworthy celebrities duri2024-05-21
atest comment