Deadly flesh-eating bacteria at highest levels yet, experts warn

A statement issued by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said that as of early June this year, the number of STSS cases in the country reached 977. It is said that there were 941 cases in the same period of 2023, and the number of cases reached a “record level” since records began in 1999.

The disease is reportedly caused by the bacteria “Streptococcus pyogenes” and is often accompanied by a sore throat, which can later lead to limb necrosis and multiple organ failure.

An increasing number of cases of infections caused by the more deadly and contagious bacteria have been reported, particularly in the Kanto region centered on the capital, Tokyo.

It is said that the number of cases has increased worryingly since the easing of measures against COVID-19 in the spring of 2023.

Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Keizo Takemi spoke to reporters about the NIID statement, noting the importance of implementing basic infection prevention measures and saying, “We believe it is necessary to continue monitoring infection trends.”

Tokyo Women’s Medical University infectious disease expert professor. Dr. Ken Kikuchi also said that foot wounds are particularly susceptible to streptococcal infection. Kikuçi described small wounds such as blisters and athlete’s foot as possible entry points for bacteria, and noted that in elderly patients, the time from infection to death can be 48 hours.

Kikuçi pointed out that high fever accompanied by delirium and rapid swelling of wounds are dangerous signs and medical help should be sought immediately in such cases. “Once a patient notices swelling in the feet in the morning, the swelling may expand to the knees by noon and die within 48 hours,” Kikuçi said.

In a statement in May, Kiyosu Taniguchi, director of Mie National Hospital, said that the relevant bacteria entering the body could have serious consequences, and called for disinfection of wounds and increased hand washing measures.

STSS is caused by flesh-eating bacteria, occurs mainly in people around 30 years old, and has been described as “potentially fatal”.