Tissue Damaging Streptococcal Bacterial Infections Continue To Rise In Japan With 378 Cases Reported For The First Two Months Of 2024!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 09, 2024 1 month, 2 weeks, 4 days, 4 hours, 57 minutes ago
Medical News: In a concerning trend, Japan is grappling with a surge in acute hemolytic streptococcal bacterial infections, revealing an alarming 378 reported cases within the first two months of 2024. This spike sets a pace to potentially surpass the record high of 941 cases reported in the previous year. Known for their rapid progression and fatality rates ranging from 30-70%, these infections, caused primarily by Group A hemolytic streptococcus, pose a significant public health challenge.
Tissue Damaging Streptococcal Bacterial Infections Continue To Rise
In Japan With 378 Cases Reported For The First Two Months Of 2024
Background
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) reported that last year saw 941 cases of hemolytic streptococcus infections, a rare but serious bacterial infection that includes Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). This marked a notable increase from the previous record of 894 cases in 2019. STSS, often dubbed the "flesh-eating disease," can lead to necrosis of connective tissues covering the muscles, resulting in severe complications and, in some cases, death.
Current Situation
The situation in 2024 is escalating, with the reported cases reaching 40% of the total for the previous year within the first two months. Cases have been confirmed in 45 out of 47 prefectures, indicating widespread transmission. This surge is particularly alarming as it outpaces the already record-setting year of 2023, prompting health authorities to intensify monitoring and investigation efforts.
https://www.niid.go.jp/niid/en/survaillance-data-table-english/12544-idwr-sokuho-data-e-2408.html
(click of the second and third Excel reports)
Causes and Contributing Factors
The exact reasons behind the rapid spread remain unclear, but the health ministry is actively investigating strains known for their pathogenicity and infectiousness. Group A hemolytic streptococcus, responsible for causing sore throats, especially in children, is a prime example among several pathogenic bacteria. The prevalence of sore throats among children since the previous summer is considered a contributing factor to the increase in severe cases. Additionally, strains with high pathogenicity, previously reported in Britain, have been identified domestically.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/29/10/23-0675_article
Health Ministry's Response
The health ministry emphasizes the importance of basic infection control measures such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette. While the exact mechanisms leading to the escalation of infections are unknown, the ministry attributes the increase to a potential rebound of respiratory diseases after Japan entered a post-pandemic phase in the spring of the previous year. Health Minister Keizo Takemi told local
Med
ical News outlets that the general public should take preventive steps, including maintaining cleanliness and practicing cough etiquette.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)
STSS, caused primarily by Group A streptococcus, is a rare but serious condition with symptoms ranging from sore throat and skin infections to severe complications such as low blood pressure, multiple organ failure, and necrosis of tissues. The mortality rate for those developing STSS is reported at 30%, and the disease is more common among individuals aged 30 and over.
Concerns and Challenges
The health ministry's request for local governments to analyze samples from STSS patients aims to identify strains responsible for the surge. The bacterium's ability to cause rapid and fulminant infections remains a significant challenge, with health experts urging the public to adhere to standard preventive measures such as wound care and frequent handwashing.
UK Strain and International Implications
Notably, the highly virulent and infectious UK strain of the bacterium, prevalent in the West, has been confirmed in Japan. This strain, known for its severity, has been identified in nine cases within the same Japanese prefecture since August, raising concerns about its potential impact on the ongoing outbreak.
Conclusion
The surge in streptococcal bacterial infections in Japan poses a serious and evolving public health crisis. As the country grapples with the rising number of cases, urgent measures are necessary to curb the spread and identify the factors contributing to this concerning trend. The health ministry's emphasis on basic preventive measures underscores the importance of individual responsibility in containing the outbreak. Continued monitoring, research, and international collaboration will be crucial in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of these infections and protect public health.
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