Nearly 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome have been recorded in Japan as of June 2, according to information from CNN. The Japanese Ministry of Health reported that 77 people died after contracting this infection between January and March 2024. This bacterial pathology has already exceeded last year’s figures, which stood at 941 preliminary infections. A record level that is more than worrying for the health authorities.
A bacteria that is only transmitted between humans
Strep toxic shock syndrome is usually linked to group A streptococcus (GAS). It results in organ failure by releasing toxins into the blood. “The mortality rate of invasive streptococcal A infections is estimated at around 10% for all pathologies combined (the mortality rates are respectively 30% in the case of streptococcal toxic shock, 15% for necrotizing dermo-hypodermitis and 20% for meningitis)note the Pasteur Institute.
Group A Streptococcus is transmitted exclusively from human to human by direct contact or through the air. This bacteria can be responsible for mild infections such as angina and impetigo, but also for more serious pathologies such as necrotizing skin infection, which can cause complete destruction of soft tissues as well as loss of limbs. Because of these characteristics, Group A Strep has been nicknamed the flesh-eating bacteria.
Group A Streptococcus: an increase in cases in several countries
With the various Covid-19 control measures (lockdowns, barrier gestures, social distancing, etc.), invasive group A streptococcus infections had significantly decreased. Due to the relaxation of these measures, cases are nevertheless increasing again in many countries.
In 2022, British health authorities notably alerted the death of six children following invasive streptococcal A infections. Cases of scarlet fever, the origin of which can be associated with this type of bacteria, were on the rise in the Kingdom. -United.
