Cases of flesh-eating bacteria in Japan have reached a record high. An outbreak of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), also known as “flesh-eating bacteria,” has affected nearly 1,000 people from the beginning of the year to June 2, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

The disease has a mortality rate of 30% and can be fatal within 48 hours of infection.

“Most deaths occur within 48 hours. A patient may notice swelling in the leg in the morning, but by afternoon it may spread to the knee and the patient may die within 48 hours,” Ken Kikuchi, a professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, told Bloomberg.

People are urged to maintain good hand hygiene and treat any open wounds. Patients who have Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in their intestines can contaminate hands through faeces.

What is streptococcal toxic shock syndrome?

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It develops rapidly and becomes life-threatening.

The bacteria spread to deeper tissues and the bloodstream and release toxins, which can lead to shock and organ failure.

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is often associated with “flesh-eating bacteria” because it can be caused by severe infection with group A streptococcus (GAS), causing the infection to spread rapidly and destroy soft tissue, including muscle, fat, and skin, giving the appearance of flesh being eaten.

Symptoms of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome

Once initial symptoms appear, hypotension usually develops within 24 to 48 hours.

Early symptoms of STSS include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Soon after symptoms appear, it results in low blood pressure (hypotension), organ failure, tachycardia (faster heart rate than normal), and tachypnea (rapid breathing).

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers an example: A person with kidney failure may not be able to urinate. A person with liver failure may have a lot of bleeding or bruising or may have yellow skin and eyes.

Once symptoms are recognized, immediate medical attention is required.

How does it spread?

Since GAS causes STSS, it can be quite contagious. Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. Group A strep bacteria can also be spread through food, if it is not handled properly.

However, it is rare for a person with STSS to spread the infection to another person.

Prevention

Preventing STDs includes practicing basic hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Treat your wounds promptly and clean surfaces frequently.

Treatment

If a person is diagnosed with STSS, he or she should be hospitalized immediately. Standard treatments such as fluid resuscitation are given for shock and organ failure. Depending on the diagnosis, STSS is treated with antibiotics.

Many people may also need surgery to remove infected tissue.