A New Deadly Infection Spreading at Lightning Speed in Japan

A deadly bacterial infection is spreading at a record pace in Japan, with the cause of the outbreak remaining unknown, and its presence confirmed in nearly all prefectures, reports Fox News.

Recently, the country has seen an increase in cases of the most severe and potentially fatal form of Group A streptococcal infection, known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, there have been 977 reported cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome this year.

Initial symptoms typically include fever and chills, muscle pain, and nausea and vomiting. Within a few days, blood pressure begins to drop, which can lead to more dangerous complications such as rapid heartbeat, increased respiratory rate, sepsis, tissue death, and organ failure.

STSS can be fatal, with approximately one in ten infected individuals dying from the infection. The at-risk group includes elderly individuals over 65, those with open wounds, and individuals with diabetes or alcohol use disorders.