As of: March 23, 2024, 5:01 a.m
By: Karolin Schaefer
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A dangerous bacterial infection is currently rampant in Japan.
If left untreated, the infection caused by streptococci can be fatal.
Tokyo - Although streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) occurs only rarely, if left untreated the infectious disease can be fatal.
There are currently increasing numbers of cases of streptococcal infection being reported in Japan.
The syndrome can be recognized using certain warning signs.
More than 400 cases in Japan: Dangerous streptococcal infection is spreading
More than 400 cases have been reported in Japan since the beginning of the year.
The health authorities expect the numbers to continue to rise.
According to the Japanese newspaper
Asahi Shimbun,
the number totaled 941 cases last year.
An infection is caused by exotoxins from A streptococci, i.e. toxins secreted by the bacteria.
Streptococci often attack the mucous membranes and can cause various diseases such as scarlet fever, tonsillitis or soft tissue inflammation.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: These symptoms may occur
The occurrence of toxic shock syndrome is favored by viral infections, surgical procedures or diabetes, informs the medical manual
MSD Manual
.
This is specifically a complication of a streptococcal infection.
If the bacteria and exotoxins enter the bloodstream, circulatory shock can occur.
A sudden, severe feeling of illness sets in.
You can identify STSS using these symptoms, among others:
High fever
Drop in blood pressure
Rashes
desquamation of the skin
Diarrhea
Vomit
lethargy
Shortness of breath
Deadly infection is rampant in Japan: These people are particularly at risk
The pathogens are transmitted through droplet or smear infection.
If the streptococci have infected a wound, necrosis can form, which means that tissue dies.
This is why there is talk of “flesh-eating bacteria,” as
Asahi Shimbun
reported.
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According to
the MSD Manual,
a short-term loss of consciousness and blood clots are also possible.
Not every streptococcal infection leads to STSS, epidemiologist Timo Ulrichs told
Focus
.
However, if this happens, if left untreated, the infection can lead to multi-organ failure and therefore death within a few hours.
Anyone who falls ill with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is usually treated in intensive care.
(Symbolic image) © Yuri Arcurs/imago
Older people and menstruating women who have already had contact with the bacteria and use tampons, menstrual cups or diaphragms, among other things, are particularly affected.
This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream through the use of tampons.
The mortality rate is about 30 percent, according to the Japanese newspaper.
There have been increased deaths among people under 50 in Japan.
Cause of spread in Japan unclear: Young people more vulnerable
“The shock syndrome caused by a toxin produced by streptococci can be more or less severe, depending on how strongly the immune system reacts to such a superantigen.
The typical shock reactions can be more severe in younger people,” says Ulrichs.
According to this, younger people are not more susceptible to infection, but “possibly to the effects of shock syndrome”.
Patients suspected of having toxic shock syndrome should receive immediate intensive care, informed
MSD Manual
.
Treatment usually involves administering antibiotics and regularly rinsing the wound.
Why the syndrome is currently spreading in Japan remains to be investigated.
“We should also closely monitor the epidemiological developments in Germany.
And also check microbiologically which streptococci exactly are involved,” said the epidemiologist.
Meanwhile, new studies show that the coronavirus can apparently multiply in the body even after a long period of time.
Editor's note:
The information provided in this article does not replace going to a doctor.
Only professionals can make the correct diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy.
The use of medication or nutritional supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked.
Learn more about our AI principles here
.