This virulent bacteria is causing a deadly disease called Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is an illness brought on by Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria, which produce toxins that cause a severe inflammatory reaction in the body. This causes fast tissue breakdown, acute pain, and shock. The infection can quickly spread through the circulation, resulting in several organ failures in a short period.
The outbreak of lethal ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ in Japan has raised worldwide tensions.
What are the symptoms of STSS?
Initial symptoms after infection appear within a short span of a few hours. Those symptoms may include:
- Fever with chill
- Muscular pain
- Nausea with vomiting
After the manifestation of initial signs and symptoms, the patient progresses to a more serious situation. It usually happens in the next 24 to 48 hours.
- Low Blood Pressure
- Multiple organ system failure
- Rapid heartbeat or Tachycardia
- Rapid breathing or Tachypnea
Risk Factors
There is no defined demography for STSS infection, but certain populations are more prone to getting the disease.
- Advance age: Older people are more susceptible to infection risk. It may be due to the reduced immunity. It is commonly seen in people over the age of 65 years.
- People with other health conditions: People who are suffering from any chronic disease that may lower one’s ability to fight the infection. For example: Diabetes, hypertension, alcohol dependency, etc.
- Pregnant women: They may also get severely affected by the disease.
Mode of Transmission:
The exact transmission mode is not known but people with exposed injuries are at risk of getting infected. The transmission mode was also unclear in more than half of the cases of STSS.
Prevention
The distribution of all sorts of groups Streptococcal infections can be prevented by washing your hands often, especially after coughing and sneezing, before and after preparing foods and eating. People with sore throats should consult a doctor who can do tests to determine whether they have strep infection; if so, they should stay home from work, school, or childcare for at least 24 hours after taking proper treatment. Every wound should be kept clean. Injuries should be monitored for symptoms of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, and discomfort at the wound site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the new bacterial infection in Japan?
Ans. It is commonly described as a ‘Flesh-Eating Bacteria’ that causes Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS).
Q. How are flesh-eating bacteria transmitted?
Ans. The transmission of flesh-eating bacteria is similar to Group A streptococcal infection. The virulent nature and short incubation decrease the transmission rate.
Q. Can flesh-eating bacteria be cured?
Ans. The case fatality rate is quite high for the STSS (Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome) i.e. 20 to 30%. It has been spreading in Japan since the start of this year.
Q. What does flesh-eating bacteria look like when it starts?
Ans. It happens very quickly within 24 hours. The condition starts to degrade after that and in many cases, death happens in less than 48 hours.
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Dr Kiran Swami
Dr. Kiran Swami, BHMS, MD (Hom.), a Research Officer at BJain Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., holds degrees from Nehru Homeopathic Medical College, Delhi, and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur. With expertise in homeopathy and a passion for research, she drives innovation in holistic healthcare solutions.