Flesh-eating Bacteria
In Japan, cases of flesh-eating bacteria have reached a record high. The outbreak of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), also called the “flesh-eating bacteria”, has affected almost 1,000 people from the beginning of the year to June 2, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.
Definition:
Flesh-eating bacteria or Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It develops quickly and becomes life-threatening.
The bacteria spreads into deep tissues and the bloodstream and releases certain toxins that can lead to the development of shock and organ failure.
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome is often associated with “flesh-eating bacteria” because it can be caused by a severe infection of Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which can lead to a rapidly progressing infection that destroys soft tissue, including muscles, fat, and skin, giving the appearance of the flesh being eaten away.
The disease has a mortality rate of 30% and can become fatal within 48 hours of infection. Most of the deaths happen within 48 hours. As soon as a patient notices swelling in the foot in the morning, it can expand to the knee by noon, and they can die within 48 hours,”
Symptoms:
Once initial symptoms occur, hypotension generally develops within 24 to 48 hours.
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) usually causes strep throat in children, but in adults it can lead to serious symptoms like limb pain, swelling, fever and low blood pressure.
The first symptoms of flesh-eating bacteria include fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. Soon, after the symptoms kick in, it results in low blood pressure (hypotension), organ failure, tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate) and tachypnea (rapid breathing) and sometimes death, especially in people over 50.
Is it contagious?
Generally, people spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. Group A strep bacteria can also spread through food, if it is not handled properly.
Prevention:
Preventing STSS involves practising basic hygiene, like washing hands regularly and covering the mouth while you cough or sneeze.
Treat your wounds immediately and clean surfaces frequently. Care for wounds properly and seek medical attention for any signs of infection. This helps prevent the bacteria from causing further infections that can sometimes lead to STSS.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosing STSS involves several tests, including blood tests to detect group A strep bacteria and check organ function. A diagnosis is confirmed when someone has a group A strep infection along with low blood pressure and signs of two or more organ failures, like kidney or liver problems.
Treatment:
If someone is diagnosed with STSS, they need to be admitted to the hospital immediately. Standard treatment of shock and organ failure such as fluid resuscitation, is given. As per the diagnosis, STSS is treated with antibiotics.
Many people might also need surgery to remove the infected tissue. It is important to get treatment quickly to improve chances of recovery and lower the risk of serious complications or death from STSS.
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