Health authorities in Japan are sounding the alarm over a concerning increase in cases of severe streptococcal infections in the country, particularly in the Tokyo area. According to a report from the Ministry of Health, from January to March 10, there were 474 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SSTS) recorded in Japan, with a mortality rate of up to 30 percent.
These numbers represent a significant jump from previous years, with oropharyngeal infections caused by strep bacteria quadrupling over the last four years. Since the first identification in Japan in 1992, the country has seen an average of 100-200 cases of SSTS annually. However, in 2019, that number spiked to 894 cases.
The National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Japan has issued a warning, indicating that the factors contributing to this surge in severe streptococcal infections are largely unknown. Recent data from the Asahi newspaper revealed that between July and December of last year, 65 individuals under the age of 50 were diagnosed with SSTS, and sadly, 21 of them succumbed to the illness.
In light of these concerning developments, infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti of the San Martino polyclinic in Genoa, Italy, has called attention to the global increase in streptococcal infections. Bassetti emphasized the need for vigilance in tracking and monitoring such infections, as they continue to rise not only in Japan but also in other countries around the world.
As the situation unfolds, health officials in Japan and beyond are working to better understand and address this growing public health issue, with a focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of severe streptococcal infections.