man-eating bacteria spreads across japan, infecting more than 1,000 people
2024-08-29
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right now, "man-eating bacteria" is spreading in japan. so far, japan has reported 1,333 cases and at least 250 deaths.
image caption: man-eating bacteria under a microscope. image source: japan new vision
the "man-eating bacteria", also known as streptococcus pyogenes, is caused by group a streptococcus (gas), one of the most pathogenic bacteria among streptococci. this type of bacteria is not rare, nor is it a new type. however, once streptococcal toxic shock syndrome occurs, it often progresses rapidly and can cause shock and multiple organ failure in patients within 1 to 2 days. 30% to 60% of patients may die due to ineffective rescue.
a latest report released by the national institute of infectious diseases of japan shows that as of august 11, 1,333 outbreak patients have been confirmed, which is the highest record reported since the introduction of the infectious disease control law in 1999. the report said that the death toll has reached 250, not including late reporting and other unknown situations. the death toll in the whole of last year was 163.
it is reported that streptococci are easily infected through wounds, accounting for 44% of the total cases, and another 9% are infected through droplets such as sneezing. the ministry of health, labor and welfare of japan stated that there is currently no effective vaccine to deal with it, and the only preventive measures for the public are to wash hands frequently, clean wounds and wear masks.
currently, cases have been reported in tokyo, kanagawa prefecture, and osaka prefecture. the spread of man-eating bacteria is a threat not only to the japanese, but also to the influx of foreign tourists. data released by the japan national tourism organization on august 21 showed that in july this year, 3.29 million foreign tourists visited japan, setting a record for the highest number of tourists in a single month. among them, the largest number of people came from mainland china, exceeding 770,000, about 2.5 times that of the same period last year. here, we would like to remind everyone that whether you live in japan or travel for a short period of time, please pay attention to personal hygiene, wash your hands frequently, wear masks, and take all necessary protective measures.
special writer ono
