Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection Hits Record High in Japan

By Ethan Eng

Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria infections break record highs in Japan in June with experts theorizing it to be a repercussion of the immune system debt caused by COVID-19 restrictions.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is a type of strep bacteria that can cause varying infections ranging from minor to lethal. Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) and Necrotizing Fasciitis are serious infections caused by GAS.

“Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly,” says the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as 3 people will die from the infection.”

According to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 977 cases of STSS have been recorded as of June 2nd. 77 people have died from the disease between January and March. The number of infections in Japan has been rapidly rising at an alarming rate, breaking the records of the previous year. 

“That's a 2.8-fold increase from the same period last year and already more than that year's total of 941,” according to NHK World Japan.

Kikuchi Ken, a Professor at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, says that the bacteria enters the body through a cut or open wound. However, there are cases where the cause of the  infection is unclear and cannot be determined.

“Experts don't know how the bacteria got into the body for nearly half of people who get STSS,” CDC says.

Initial symptoms of STSS are fevers, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Low blood pressure usually begins to develop 24-48 hours after the first symptoms (CDC), making STSS more lethal with symptoms of organ failure, shock and an unnaturally rapid heart rate. 

A man in his 40s, Tabata Toshinaru, was infected by the bacteria last November. Tabata developed a fever and felt exhausted after his work as a beautician. On the next day, he felt swelling and pain in his right shoulder. 

“I began to experience nausea as well and stopped urinating. I thought I might die when the swelling spread and the pain got worse,” Toshinaru said.

Upon visiting a university hospital, he was diagnosed with STSS and found out that the infected tissue was necrotic. His tissue cells died and he had to go through an operation.

“I could have died if I had stayed home to wait and see how things went,” Toshinaru said.

In addition to STSS, GAS can cause another extreme bacterial infection: Necrotizing Fasciitis. This bacterial infection is also known as  the “flesh-eating disease," being incredibly lethal with a high mortality rate and emergency surgery required.

“There are many types of bacteria that can cause the ‘flesh-eating disease’ called necrotizing fasciitis. Experts believe group A Streptococcus (group A strep bacteria) are the most common cause,” says CDC.

Necrotizing Fasciitis spreads really fast in the body. Early symptoms of a fever, severe pain and a quick spreading red/warm/swollen area of skin. This leads to diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, pus from the infected area, ulcers and blisters. Necrotizing Fasciitis may lead to shock, sepsis and organ failure.

The rapid increase in Japan’s STSS cases is unclear, but Professor Kikuchi says that it may be due to a weakened immune system. 

"We can boost immunity if we are constantly exposed to bacteria. But that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic," Kikuchi said. "So, more people are now susceptible to infection, and that may be one reason for the sharp rise in cases."

Researchers still have much to learn about these infections and why they’re on a rapid rise in Japan.