Illustrative photo of antibiotic (PxHere)
O Japanese government no longer wants the use of the common name “flesh-eating bacteria” as it is pejorative, leading to prejudice, and asks that the correct nomenclature be used: toxic shock syndrome (STSS) or 劇症型溶血性レンサ球菌感染症, caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal exotoxins.
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The metropolitan government of Tokyo made one alert about the number of patients with the toxic shock syndrome (STSS), as it presents a extremely high mortality rategetting at 30%. And cases have increased significantly this year in the Japanese capital and across the country.
According to information from the metropolitan government, the number of infections reported in 2023 was 141 in Tokyo and 941 nationwideboth the highest ever.
Relative to the year 2024, only two and a half months have passed, and preliminary numbers as of March 17 show that 88 people were infected in Tokyo It is 517 people all over countrymore than half of last year.
Looking at the situation in Tokyothe number of deaths was 42 in 2023 and 27 in 2024, as of March 17, each representing approximately 30% of the total number of infected people. By age group, 90% of infected people are over 40 years old.
Symptoms of STSS
You symptoms they progress so quickly that it is said that death can occur several tens of hours after their onset, which is why the treatment early is important.
The cause is the hemolytic streptococcus bacteria. When these bacteria invade the blood, muscles or lungs, the disease can develop into a serious with rapidly progressive symptoms.
When the symptoms worsen, the patient goes into shock due to the drop in blood pressure and multiple organ failure.
You initial symptoms These include cold-like symptoms such as fever and chills, as well as pain and swelling in the hands and feet (extremities), redness around a wound, and a drop in blood pressure.
How to avoid infection
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government urges people to seek medical attention immediately if they have symptoms.
The way of infection is often unknown, but may occur through throat or a wound. Therefore, if you have a wound, you must keep it clean.
At a press conference in January, the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare said that the streptococcus spreads through droplet infection and also by contacttherefore, he urgently asked for basic measures of prevention as hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
How is STSS treated?
Treatment includes application of antibiotics and removal of necrotic areas to prevent the spread of infection. It is important to start treatment early to reduce the risk of worsening the condition. STSS.
Fonte: Tokyo Shimbun
