Highlights: Japan is seeing an increase in serious cases of group A streptococcal infections. Also present in Europe, this bacteria can, in rare cases, cause strePTococcal toxic shock syndrome, fatal in one in three cases. The increase in these most serious cases is now prompting Japan to declare a red alert in 27 of its 47 departments. The relaxation of measures in force during the pandemic would, in part, explain the spread of Streptococcus A bacterial infection, says RFI's Frédéric Charles.

Japan is observing an increase in serious cases of group A streptococcal infections. Also present in Europe, this bacteria can, in rare cases, cause streptococcal toxic shock syndrome,…

Japan: red alert over growing streptococcal A infections

Japan is seeing an increase in serious cases of group A streptococcal infections. Also present in Europe, this bacteria can, in rare cases, cause streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, fatal in one in three cases. The increase in these most serious cases is now prompting Japan to declare a red alert in 27 of its 47 departments.

In a shopping district of Tokyo, Japan, March 19, 2024. In the country, people still often wear masks (illustrative photo). © Kim Kyung-Hoon / Reuters

By: RFI Follow

With our correspondent in Tokyo,

Frédéric Charles

After Covid-19,

Japan

is facing a new viral and highly contagious disease. Group A

streptococcal infections

are

transmitted from person to person, mainly in adults, through the air or through contact with people with skin lesions.

Since the start of the year, Japan has recorded nearly half of the total streptococcal A bacterial infections, recorded for the entire year 2023. This bacteria is transmitted from man to man, rather in adults by airborne or in contact with people with skin lesions. In 80% of cases, it is responsible for mild infections such as angina or scarlet fever. The first symptoms of its most serious form are fever, sore throat, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.

Recovering the reflexes of the pandemic

The Japanese Minister of Health, Keizo Takemi, invites the Japanese to rediscover the reflexes of the covid-19 pandemic and to wear a mask. The relaxation of measures in force during the pandemic would, in part, explain the spread of Streptococcus A bacterial infection.

The minister observes that streptococci are transmitted by droplets and by contact, it is important to wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth if you cough. Antibiotics are not always enough to fight infection.

The most worrying thing is that the Japanese Institute of Infectious Diseases cannot identify the cause of the spread of the most severe and sudden forms of streptococci A. The latter can lead to respiratory distress, failure of several organs or death in the 48 hours.

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Japan: red alert over growing streptococcal A infections

Japan: red alert over growing streptococcal A infections

Recovering the reflexes of the pandemic

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