Should We Be Afraid of "Flesh-eating" Bacterium from Japan?

A real shock

This disease is related to group A streptococci, leading to the rapidly developing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) syndrome. Fever begins, blood pressure drops, in the morning there is swelling of the foot, and by noon it can spread to the knee. As a result, respiratory problems, necrosis, organ failure, and death can occur within 48 hours.

According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the number of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome cases in Japan reached 977 by June 2024, surpassing the record of 941 cases reported during all of 2023.

Streptococcus bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children. It usually causes a sore throat, headache, fever, and a small red rash (sca...