TOKYO (Bernama-Xinhua): Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal illness caused by a "flesh-eating" bacterium, is increasing notably across Japan, with cases in the first half of this year already exceeding last year's record, local media has reported on Tuesday. The figure in the first six months of 2024 already surpassed last year's 941, the highest annual number of cases tallied since mandatory reporting began in 1999, the report said. Tokyo logged the highest number of cases at 145. Infections of more virulent and contagious strains of the bacterium are increasingly being reported, particularly in the Kanto region centering on Tokyo, it added. "High fever accompanied by delirium or rapid swelling of wounds are dangerous signs", and immediate medical attention should be sought, he said.

Source: The Star June 12, 2024 09:01 UTC