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Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

All articles tagged with #streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

health-outbreak1 year ago

"Flesh-Eating Bacterial Outbreak in Japan: Global Concerns and Facts"

Japan is grappling with a surge in cases of "flesh eating" streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome (STSS), prompting global concern and media coverage. Health authorities are attempting to allay fears, advising visitors to practice good hygiene and wound care. The outbreak has spread to 45 of Japan's 47 prefectures, with 474 cases recorded in the first two months of 2023. Experts are puzzled by the rapid spread and severity of the illness, which is caused by a highly pathogenic and transmissible variant of the M1UK strain. Treatment challenges and a higher fatality rate among younger individuals have raised alarm, prompting calls for vigilance and immediate medical attention for symptoms.

health1 year ago

Japan Addresses Global Concerns Over 'Flesh-Eating' Bacterial Disease

Japan is attempting to reassure the world about the outbreak of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a "flesh-eating" disease, as cases continue to grow at an alarming rate. Officials have emphasized the importance of simple preventive measures such as hand washing and wearing face masks. The disease, caused by bacterium streptococcus pyogenes, can lead to necrosis of muscle tissue and multiple organ failure, with a high mortality rate. Despite concerns, Japan is working to reassure potential visitors by pointing out similar outbreaks in Europe in the past.

health1 year ago

Understanding Streptococcal Infections in Japan

Japan is facing a surge in cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), a rare but serious bacterial infection with a 30% fatality rate, and the detection of a new, potentially more virulent strain of the responsible bacteria has raised concerns. The health ministry has received inquiries from overseas travelers, and North Korea's cancellation of a soccer match with Japan due to a "malignant infectious disease" has fueled public concern about the disease, caused most often by strep A bacteria.

health1 year ago

"Japan Faces Alarming Surge in Deadly Strep Infections"

Japan has seen a significant increase in potentially fatal strep infections, with cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) tripling in Tokyo and quadrupling across the country over the past five years. The surge in cases has even impacted international events, with the North Korean soccer team canceling a World Cup qualifier match in Japan due to the outbreak. Health authorities are concerned about the spike in severe invasive streptococcal infections and are working to understand the underlying mechanisms and control the spread, particularly in the context of potential impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic.

health1 year ago

"Japan Issues Warning as Potentially Deadly Strep Throat Cases Surge"

Japanese health authorities have issued a warning about a significant increase in potentially deadly strep throat infections, with cases in Tokyo running about three times higher than last year and quadruple the pace of the past five years across the country. Through March 10, Japan recorded 474 cases of the more serious streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SSTS), which has a fatality rate of up to 30%. The surge in cases has prompted emphasis on the importance of hand hygiene to prevent invasive streptococcal infections.

health1 year ago

"Japan Faces Surge in Deadly STSS Bacterial Infections"

Japanese health authorities have issued a warning about a significant increase in potentially deadly strep throat infections, with cases in Tokyo running about three times higher than last year and quadruple the pace of the past five years across the country. Through March 10, Japan recorded 474 cases of the more serious streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SSTS), which has a fatality rate of up to 30%. The surge in cases has prompted health experts to emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in preventing invasive streptococcal infections.

health1 year ago

"Unexplained Surge: Japan Grapples With Deadly Infection Outbreak"

Japan is experiencing a surge in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) with a 30% fatality rate, primarily affecting those under 50. The increase is believed to be linked to the relaxation of COVID-19 measures, leading to decreased immunity to the bacteria causing STSS. Health officials are urging the public to maintain good hygiene practices, while experts suggest that the rise in severe cases may be due to the "old hygiene hypothesis." The presence of a particular strain prevalent in the UK since 2019 has also been noted, but its exact role in the increase of STSS cases remains unclear and requires further investigation.

health1 year ago

"Rapid Spread of Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection Puzzles Japan's Health Officials"

A deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is rapidly spreading in Japan, with a high fatality rate of 30%. The infection, primarily caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, has seen a sudden increase in cases, with 378 reported in the first two months of 2024. Medical experts advise maintaining good hygiene practices and proper wound care to prevent its spread, while some officials attribute the rise in cases to the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.

health1 year ago

"Rapid Spread of Deadly Bacterial Infection Baffles Japan's Health Officials"

Japan is experiencing a surge in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a rare and deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection with a 30% fatality rate, puzzling health officials. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported 941 confirmed cases in 2023, and 378 cases have already been recorded in the first two months of 2024, infecting patients in almost all of Japan's 47 prefectures. The increase in cases has experts urging people to wash their hands and clean wounds thoroughly to curb its spread, with some officials attributing the rise to the lifting of pandemic restrictions.

health1 year ago

Mysterious Surge in Dangerous Infection Baffles Japanese Experts

Cases of the severe form of Streptococcal A infection, known as STSS, have reached record levels in Japan, with 941 confirmed cases last year and 378 cases in the first two months of 2024. The fatality rate of the infection is 30%, and experts are unable to explain the rapid surge in cases. Some speculate that the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions may have contributed to the increase. Strep A infections are spread through close contact, coughs, sneezes, and wounds, and common symptoms include flu-like symptoms, sore throat, rash, scabs, and severe muscle aches.

health1 year ago

Rising Threat: The Surge of Deadly Streptococcal Infections in Japan

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a severe and deadly form of Group A Streptococcus infection, is surging in Japan, with a record 378 cases recorded in the first two months of 2024. The exact cause of the rise is unclear, but experts suspect a post-Covid surge in illnesses similar to what the UK experienced in 2022. STSS comes with fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can quickly progress to sepsis and organ failure, with a 30% fatality rate. The bacteria responsible, Strep A, spreads through close contact and can cause a range of diseases affecting the skin, soft tissue, and respiratory system. While the rate of STSS infections in Japan is still low, the potential for a pandemic caused by Strep A exists, although it spreads more slowly than viruses.

health1 year ago

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.

health1 year ago

"Severe Sepsis: Multiple Amputations Linked to Tickly Throat Illness"

Mason Jones, a 16-year-old from West Virginia, had to undergo amputations of both hands and feet after a sore throat led to sepsis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. He also suffered from necrotizing fasciitis, which required multiple skin grafting surgeries. Despite the challenges, Mason is determined to regain his independence and has maintained a positive attitude throughout his recovery. His family is raising funds to cover medical expenses, and Mason's story highlights the severity of sepsis and its lasting impact on survivors.

health2 years ago

Teenager's Life Forever Altered by Devastating Flu Complications

The parents of a 14-year-old boy are warning others about a rare illness that started as the flu and turned into Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), resulting in his heart stopping and subsequent amputation of his hands and feet due to poor blood flow. The boy's doctors stated that there was nothing his parents could have done differently, as sometimes the flu can lead to bacterial infections. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with the boy's medical expenses and prosthetics.

health2 years ago

Teen's Limbs Amputated Following Flu-Like Symptoms

A 14-year-old boy in Tennessee had to have his hands and legs amputated after what seemed like normal flu-like symptoms turned deadly. Mathias Uribe was diagnosed with pneumonia and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which led to cardiac arrest. Although his life was saved with the help of an ECMO machine, the lack of blood flow to his extremities necessitated the amputations. Mathias' family is hopeful that he will be able to leave the hospital soon with the aid of prosthetic limbs. The parents have launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the teen's medical costs, which has raised over $235,000.