Japanese health authorities have recently warned of a rise in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, an infection that is fatal in about a third of positive cases.
- Cases of streptococcal shock syndrome are on the rise in Japan.
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is usually caused by group A streptococcus.
- This bacteria can cause benign pathologies, but also invasive infections such as necrotizing skin infection or streptococcal toxic shock.
Nearly 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome have been recorded in Japan as of June 2, according to information from CNNThe Japanese Ministry of Health reported that 77 people died after contracting the infection between January and March 2024. The bacterial disease has already surpassed last year’s figures, which stood at 941 preliminary infections. A record level that is more than worrying for health authorities.
A bacteria that is transmitted only between humans
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is usually linked to group A streptococcus (GAS). It results in organ failure by releasing toxins into the blood. “The mortality rate for invasive streptococcal A infections is estimated at around 10% for all pathologies combined (the mortality rates are respectively 30% in cases of streptococcal toxic shock, 15% for necrotizing dermo-hypodermitis and 20% for meningitis)”note Pasteur Institute.
Group A streptococcus is transmitted exclusively from human to human by direct contact or through the air. This bacterium can cause mild infections such as tonsillitis and impetigo, but also more serious conditions such as necrotizing skin infection, which can lead to complete destruction of soft tissues and loss of limbs. Because of these characteristics, group A streptococcus has been nicknamed the flesh-eating bacteria.
Group A Streptococcus: A resurgence of cases in several countries
With the various Covid-19 control measures (lockdowns, barrier gestures, social distancing, etc.), invasive group A streptococcus infections had significantly decreased. Due to the relaxation of these measures, cases are nevertheless increasing again in many countries.
In 2022, British health authorities warned of the deaths of six children following invasive streptococcus A infections. Cases of scarlet fever, the origin of which can be associated with this type of bacteria, were on the rise in the United Kingdom.
