Hongkongers told to safeguard against ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria infection when in Japan
- Japanese health authorities say there have been 977 cases of the potentially deadly streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in the country
Infectious disease experts have urged Hongkongers travelling to Japan to maintain good personal hygiene and proper wound care, after the country logged a record-high number of cases of a potentially deadly disease caused by “flesh-eating” bacteria.
But one specialist added that there was no need for excessive worry or to avoid travelling to Japan despite the spike in the number of the bacterial infections.
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases said on Tuesday that there had been 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome so far this year.
The figure surpassed the 941 cases recorded in the whole of 2023, which was the highest number of cases reported in a year since records began.
An infection of the “flesh-eating” bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus, can lead to mild and common illnesses such as sore throat and skin infection such as impetigo.
On rare occasions, the bacteria can cause more severe and even life-threatening diseases. In cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, serious symptoms can develop in a short time characterised by low blood pressure, faster than normal heart rate, rapid breathing and signs suggesting organ failure.