2024-03-20 10:11:41
Health experts in Japan warn that a rare and dangerous bacterial infection is spreading at a record rate across the country, as officials seek to determine the cause behind the phenomenon.
Concern is growing that the more severe and deadly form of Streptococcal bacteria will continue to spread, after highly dangerous and contagious strains were detected in Japan.
The number of infections in 2024 is expected to exceed the records recorded during last year.
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan said: “There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms of spread of these bacteria, and we are not at the stage where we can explain them.”
Figures issued by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Japan recorded 941 infections reported last year.
But in just the first two months of 2024, 378 cases have already been recorded, with infections identified in all but two of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
While older people are considered more at risk, the Group A strain of streptococcus bacteria leads to more deaths among patients under the age of 50, according to the institute.
Local newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that of the 65 people under the age of 50 who were diagnosed with the bacteria between July and December 2023, about a third, or 21 people, died.
About “Streptococcus”
- Streptococcus bacteria spread through droplets and physical contact, and can also be transmitted through wounds.
- Many people are infected with it without knowing it, as they do not show symptoms.
- Bacteria can cause sore throat, especially in children.
- The highly contagious bacteria can, in some cases, cause serious complications that lead to death, especially in adults over 30 years of age.
- Older adults can experience symptoms similar to the common cold, but in rare cases the symptoms can worsen to include sore throat, tonsillitis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
- In more serious cases the infection can lead to organ failure.
- Some experts believe that the rapid rise in infections last year was linked to the lifting of restrictions imposed during the Corona pandemic.
- The bacteria are treated with antibiotics, but patients who become infected with the more serious strain are likely to need a combination of antibiotics and other medications, along with intensive medical care.
- The Japanese Ministry of Health recommends that people take the same basic hygiene precautions against strep bacteria, which have become part of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic.
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