Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome : High Alert In Japan
Japan’s health officials are on high alert because the number of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) cases has increased significantly.
- STSS is a serious illness that usually ends in death.
- So far this year, on June 2, 977 cases have been reported, more than the 941 cases reported all last year.
- Because of this scary number, health officials and doctors are working extra hard to stop and understand how quickly this is spreading.
- Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a disease brought on by group A Streptococcus bacteria infections.
- When these bacteria get into deep tissue or the bloodstream, they release strong toxins that cause a severe inflammatory reaction that quickly affects many organs.
- Most people don’t get this disease, and big risk factors include skin wounds and other health problems that lower immunity.
Symptoms of STSS:
- Within 24 to 48 hours, STSS symptoms start quickly and are very bad.
- They start with fever, chills, and muscle pain and then move on to nausea and vomiting.
- It gets so bad that low blood pressure, a fast heart rate, fast breathing, and the loss of multiple organs happen.
- For kids, the bacteria can cause strep throat, but for adults, it can lead to more serious health problems like major limb pain, tissue death, and organ failure.
