Cases Of STSS Infection On The Rise In Japan

NBC News (6/21, Bendix) reported, “A record-breaking rise in potentially fatal infections in Japan is bringing attention to persistent, unanswered questions about the group of bacteria behind the illnesses.” Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) “is caused by Group A strep bacteria, the same type that causes strep throat and scarlet fever. In rare cases, Group A strep can enter deep tissue or the bloodstream, as is the case with STSS.” So far in 2024, “Japan has recorded at least 1,019 cases of STSS, according to a report released earlier this week by the country’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases. That’s its highest total ever, already larger than last year’s record tally of 941.”