Japan A deadly disease is spreading rapidly. Experts are unable to figure out why this is happening.
Streptococcal A, commonly known as Strep A, is a common cause of throat infections in children. But a more severe form of the bacteria can lead to complications such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).
According to the Japan Times newspaper, the number of patients with the most severe type of streptococcus reached a record high last year with 941 confirmed cases of STSS.
However, this year the number of patients is already expected to exceed this record. 378 cases were recorded in the first two months of 2024.
United Kingdom The NHS (National Health Service) explains that Strep A infection is spread through close contact with an infected person. This Sickness It can also be spread by coughing, sneezing and cuts.
Some people have the bacteria in their body but do not show symptoms, but they can still transmit the disease to other people.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) told The Guardian newspaper: ‘There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms behind the extreme (severe and sudden) form of streptococcus and we are not at this stage. Where we can explain them.’
What is Strep A?
Strep A is a common type of bacteria that lives on the throat and skin, the NHS explained. It is usually easily treated but some infections are more severe.
According to the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), mild infections caused by Strep A include scarlet fever, impetigo (red rash around the lips), cellulitis (skin infection) and sore throat. Which can be treated with antibiotics.
A more aggressive strain of Strep A, called Igas, is the cause of severe infections.
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According to the US Centers for Disease Control, the most severe form of the infection is STSS, whose symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting.
In the most severe cases, STSS can lead to sepsis (spread of infection throughout the body), organ failure and necrosis (death of cells), also known as ‘flesh-eating disease’.
According to the Guardian newspaper, the death rate from STSS is 30%.
How to prevent the spread of disease
People should avoid close contact with infected people to prevent infection or reduce the chance of spreading it. Wash your hands frequently. A tissue paper should be used to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and the tissue paper should be thrown in the trash immediately following use.
Why did the disease spread in Japan?
According to some experts, the rapid increase in patients is related to the lifting of restrictions imposed during the corona virus epidemic.
Ken Kikuchi, a professor of infectious diseases at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, told The Guardian that in May 2023, Covid-19 was downgraded to the same level of severity as seasonal flu, causing once-cautious citizens to become more lax.
He said: ‘In my opinion more than 50 per cent of Japanese citizens Sars Cove. Tou (the virus that causes Covid-19) has been infected.
After recovering from Covid-19, people’s immune systems may change their susceptibility to certain viruses. We need to clarify the course of diseases caused by invasive streptococcal bacteria and bring them under immediate control.’
Common symptoms of strep A
• Flu symptoms, such as high temperature, swollen glands or body aches
• Sore throat (sore throat or tonsillitis)
• Blisters that feel rough, like sandblasting (scarlet fever).
• Rashes and sores (impetigo)
• Pain and swelling (cellulitis)
• Severe muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
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2024-07-17 08:08:48
