A mystery in Japan due to an outbreak of infections caused by deadly streptococcus bacteria

Japan has warned of the emergence of a mysterious strain of streptococcal bacteria that causes the disease Severe and fulminant infection. The bacteria live in the nose and throat or are easily transmitted when you talk, cough, or sneeze. Last year, 941 cases were recorded in Japan, and between January and February of 2024, 378 cases have already been announced.With a mortality rate of 30%. The increase in the outbreak of the disease has forced the Japanese authorities to warn about this situation because the spread compared to the previous year has become at an alarming rate. According to the British newspaper WatchmanHealth authorities are trying to find out Why did this infectious escalation occur?.

Some experts believe that one of the reasons that may be behind the increase in cases is… Last year the restrictive measures for the Covid pandemic were lifted. In May 2023, the Japanese government changed the classification of the coronavirus, making it unnecessary to isolate those infected.

However, the elderly are the group most at risk The Group A strain causes deaths among patients under the age of 50According to the Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Of the 65 people under 50 diagnosed between July and December last year, about a third died.

What infectious processes can be caused by bacteria?

Invasive streptococcal disease is one of the most dangerous forms of this bacteria, and it is often pathogenic Great diversity of infectious processesfrom pharyngitis, tonsillitis or scarlet fever, to serious infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis or septic shock.

He explained in a statement, “There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms that govern fulminant (severe and sudden) forms of streptococci, and we are not at the stage of being able to explain them.” National Institute of Infectious Diseases Japanese

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms are Fever, sore throat, red tonsils, pain when swallowing, swollen tonsils and lymph nodes in the neck or small white spots, pus or light red dots on the palate. Bacteria are spread through small droplets of saliva, like the coronavirus or influenza.

Mild cases are treated AntibioticsBut more complex cases may require additional treatment. Health authorities advise the public to maintain hygiene guidelines promoted during the coronavirus pandemic, such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing.