Rapid Spread of Deadly Bacteria Baffles Japan's Authorities

A mysterious and deadly bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly referred to as strep A, is spreading at an unprecedented rate in Japan, with 378 cases already registered in the first two months of 2024. The highly contagious nature of the bacteria has led to severe illnesses and fatalities, particularly among adults over 30, with a concerning trend of increased mortality among patients under 50. Authorities are struggling to establish the cause and are concerned about the potential impact of individuals' immunological status after recovering from Covid-19 on their susceptibility to the disease.