Japan currently faces an uptick in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), a complication from a flesh-eating bacterial infection that causes fatality within 48 hours.
STSS is caused by Group A Streptococcus, a class of bacteria that typically causes strep and mild illness. The infection begins with symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. Within 24 to 48 hours, the condition can progress to low blood pressure, followed by severe complications such as irregular heart rate, rapid breathing, necrotizing fasciitis which can lead to loss of limbs, organ failure, and toxic shock. Despite treatment, STSS remains highly lethal, with up to 3 out of 10 patients succumbing to the infection.
