Prognosis
Flesh-Eating Bacteria That Can Kill in Two Days Spreads in Japan
- 977 cases reported by June, surpassing last year’s record high
- Washing hands is important for prevention, professor says
Scanning electron micrograph of Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria.
Source: BSIP/Universal Images
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A disease caused by a rare “flesh-eating bacteria” that can kill people within 48 hours is spreading in Japan after the country relaxed Covid-era restrictions.
Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) reached 977 this year by June 2, higher than the record 941 cases reported for all of last year, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has been tracking incidences of the disease since 1999.