A dangerous bacterial infection in Japan is spreading at a record level, with health officials trying to identify the cause of the outbreak..
The experts have warned about the rare ‘Streptococcal infection.’
According to The Guardian, the concerns are increasing, ever since it is confirmed that some highly infectious stains are present in Japan.
As per the provisional figures issued by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), last year 941 cases were recorded, but this year, nearly 378 cases have been recorded within first two-months.
NIID said, “There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms behind the fulminant form of streptococcus, and we are not at the stage where we can explain them.”
STSS is mostly caused by the bacterium called streptococcus pyogenes (strep A).
It could cause sore throats in children. Most people have it unknowingly.
Highly contagious bacteria could cause infection, health complications, serious illness and death in some cases mainly in over 30 adults.
As per NIID, older people are at greater risk as the strain is causing more death among patients under 50.
Symptoms that older people experience could include cold, tonsillitis, strep throat, meningitis, pneumonia to necrosis and organ failure in serious cases.
The Asahi Shimbun (Japanese newspaper) reported between July and December 2023, 65 patients under 50 were diagnosed with STSS, 21- a third of them died.
Some experts have linked this rapid rise with COVID.
Ken Kikuchi, professor of infectious diseases said, “In my opinion, over 50% of Japanese people have been infected by Sars-CoV-2 (virus that causes Covid-19)…. People’s immunological status after recovering from Covid-19 might alter their susceptibility to some microorganisms.”
Health ministry has requested people to take preventive steps.
