In Japan, cases of flesh-eating bacteria have reached a record high.
WHAT IS STREPTOCOCCAL TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME?
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a rare but serious bacterial infection.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome has a mortality rate of 30%.
(Photo: Getty Images)SYMPTOMS OF STREPTOCOCCAL TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROMEOnce initial symptoms occur, hypotension generally develops within 24 to 48 hours.
In Japan, cases of flesh-eating bacteria have reached a record high. The outbreak of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), also called the "flesh-eating bacteria", has affected almost 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 become fatal within 48 hours of infection.
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"Most of the deaths happen within 48 hours. As soon as a patient notices swelling in the foot in the morning, it can expand to the knee by noon, and they can die within 48 hours," Ken Kikuchi, a professor in infectious diseases at Tokyo Women's Medical University, told Bloomberg.
People have been urged to maintain hand hygiene and to treat any open wounds. Patients who carry Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in their intestines, which could contaminate hands through faeces.
WHAT IS STREPTOCOCCAL TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME?
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It develops quickly and becomes life-threatening.
The bacteria spreads into deep tissues and the bloodstream and releases certain toxins that can lead to the development of shock and organ failure.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome is often associated with "flesh-eating bacteria" because it can be caused by a severe infection of Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which can lead to a rapidly progressing infection that destroys soft tissue, including muscles, fat, and skin, giving the appearance of the flesh being eaten away. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome has a mortality rate of 30%. (Photo: Getty Images)
SYMPTOMS OF STREPTOCOCCAL TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME
Once initial symptoms occur, hypotension generally develops within 24 to 48 hours.
The first symptoms of STSS include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Soon, after the symptoms kick in, it results in low blood pressure (hypotension), organ failure, tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing).
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited an example: someone with kidney failure may not make urine. Someone with liver failure may bleed or bruise a lot or their skin and eyes may turn yellow.
Medical attention is needed immediately, once the symptoms are recognised.
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 spread through food, if it is not handled properly.
However, it is rare for someone with STSS to spread the infection to another person.
PREVENTION
Preventing STSS involves practising basic hygiene, like washing hands regularly and covering the mouth while you cough or sneeze. Treat your wounds immediately and clean surfaces frequently.
TREATMENT
If someone is diagnosed with STSS, they need to be admitted to the hospital immediately. Standard treatment of shock and organ failure such as fluid resuscitation, is given. As per the diagnosis, STSS is treated with antibiotics.
Many people might also need surgery to remove the infected tissue.
