Flesh Eating bacteria that can kill in 2 days| A rare and deadly bacteria that is on rise in Japan!

Nearly 1000 cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) has been reported by June 2024, in Japan. This infection has drawn most attention after COVID 19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flesh eating bacteria are Group A Streptococcus(GAS) bacteria, mostly found in the throat, that usually cause sore throat and skin infections.

STSS is caused  when the GAS bacteria enters the body areas where bacteria are rarely found such as deep muscles and blood.

Who is at risk of getting STSS?

- People who are above age 65
- Who recently had surgery
- Who have had chickenpox, shingles, recently
- Who has diabetes, and open wounds or sores
- And people who drink alcohol regularly

What are symptoms of STSS?

• It starts with fever, chills, rashes, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting.

• It usually gets well initially and then causes acute illness which leads to low blood pressure in 24-48 hours and organ failure with increased heart rate.

How is STSS treated?

• STSS is treated with antibiotics and intravenous fluids and other treatment options for organ failure and surgery to remove infected tissue.

Source:-
1. Davies H. D. (2001). Flesh-eating disease: A note on necrotizing fasciitis. The Canadian journal of infectious diseases = Journal canadien des maladies infectieuses, 12(3), 136–140. https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/857195

2. Dennis L. Stevens, The Flesh-Eating Bacterium: What's Next?, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 179, Issue Supplement_2, March 1999, Pages S366–S374, https://doi.org/10.1086/513851