Japanese health authorities are concerned about the much faster than usual transmission of a bacterial disease known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. This is far from a new condition. However, while the average number of annual cases has traditionally been between 100 and 200, 941 were detected in 2023, and almost 400 have already been reported in 2024. In the rest of the world, this disease can remind us that it has become infected. due to improper use of tampons. But is this the same condition?
This issue, along with doubts about whether it could develop into a new pandemic, is worrying the world’s population as the media repeats this situation. It should be noted that unlike COVID-19, influenza, or most diseases that cause pandemics, toxic shock syndrome is not caused by a virus, but by bacteria. Or rather, a group of them. But there have also been major epidemics caused by bacteria. The plague is a good example of this. Despite this, transmission does not occur as quickly as with other bacteria.
Regarding the routes of infection, it should be noted that this is a very widespread disease that you can conclude a contract in different ways. Indeed, tampon abuse is one of them; but in the case of Japan, other bacteria are causing problems. Let’s see then what the differences are.
What is toxic shock syndrome?
In fact, toxic shock syndrome can be considered not a disease, but a complication of certain bacterial infections. Some bacteria produce toxins, which help them evade the immune system or increase virulence. Therefore, they are related to the severity of the infection.
Some bacteria, such as representatives of the genera Staphylococcus And Streptococcus, can cause very serious infections due to these toxins, especially if they manage to get into the blood. In this case, they can cause hypotension, sepsis and fatal organ failure. They are also capable of necrotizing muscle tissue.
This is known as toxic shock syndrome. We are talking about bacteria, which in many cases only cause minor illnessesfor example, tonsillitis or pharyngitis. This is why it is so difficult to characterize this disease, because it largely depends on the behavior of the bacteria, the route of infection, or the patient’s previous pathologies.
What’s happening in Japan?
The most well-known toxic shock syndrome, transmitted by improper use of tampons, is usually caused by bacteria of the genus Staphylococcus. Especially for Staphylococcus aureus. However, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a concern in Japan.
This, logically, indicates that it is caused by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus. In this case they group A streptococcus and it appears to be a particularly virulent strain. That’s why there are so many cases. Although, according to health authorities, this may also be due to the population’s neglect of such simple hygiene measures as hand washing.
How is toxic shock syndrome transmitted?
There are many ways toxic shock syndrome can be transmitted, but the most common is through cuts or wounds. This is because bacteria have faster access to the blood. That is why it is very important to wash and disinfect them well.
Bacteria can also penetrate mucous membranes and be transmitted through cough and sneezing, although to a lesser extent it can lead to toxic shock syndrome. Finally, it can make some viral infections, such as the flu, more difficult, so it’s also important to continue taking steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
What can we expect?
At this point, it appears that the death rate from toxic shock syndrome in Japan is around thirty%. It is quite high, which is why health authorities are so concerned. However, one must keep in mind that we are talking about 900 cases annually in a country with 125 million people. Of course, measures need to be taken, but it is important not to panic.
The good part of all this is that while the bacteria are not resistant, the disease can be treated with antibiotics if it is caught in time. Let’s let experts characterize the bacteria that is causing the rise in cases in Japan and continue to apply the hygiene measures we’ve already learned for COVID-19. There is no need to worry for now.
Source: Hiper Textual
