‘Death within 48 hours’ – Japan reports sharp spike in flesh-eating bacteria infection, Hong Kong issues advisory

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A rare bacterial infection that has a very high fatality rate is spreading across Japan. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which is commonly known as flesh-eating bacterial disease, has seen a sharp spike ever since Japan lifted the coronavirus travel restriction.

According to a Bloomberg report, a person infected with this horrible disease may suffer a very painful death within 48 hours. The official data published by Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases shows that this year, the country has seen nearly 1,000 such cases till June. This is a dangerous increase in numbers as compared to teh last year.

Meanwhile, a South China Morning Post report says that authorities in Hong Kong have issued advisory to those travelling to Japan. People have been asked to maintain high standards of personal hygiene and make sure to watch out for any fresh wound.

As per Bloomberg, the common symptoms of this rare flesh-eating bacteria — Group A Streptococcus or GAS — include sore throat and marked swelling in the throat region. However, at times, the doctors have discovered a sharp deterioration of this sore throat condition into fever, low blood pressure, organ failure and ultimately death.

Doctors have said that with global travelling on the rise, it is very important to maintain good personal hygiene. Any case of sudden fever, pain should be taken seriously. Fresh wounds, cuts or minor injuries need to be cleaned properly. Pandemic SOPs such as washing hands, maintaining social distance and making sure to clean and cover wounds and cuts should be followed, doctors say.

In late 2022, multiple European countries reported an increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) disease, including streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to a Bloomberg report, this surge followed the relaxation of Covid restrictions in these countries.