#infectious diseases #streptococcus #viruses

Should We Be Afraid of "Flesh-eating" Bacterium from Japan?

October 28, 2025

2 min read

As the world continues to recover from COVID-19, there is alarming news from Japan about a disease caused by a "flesh-eating bacterium".

Key takeaways

As the world continues to recover from COVID-19, there is alarming news from Japan about a disease caused by a "flesh-eating bacterium".
A real shock
What is the cause?

Who this is for

People exploring Bacterial and viral infections through infectious diseases, streptococcus.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Anastasia

Infectious disease doctor

A real shock

This disease is related to group A streptococci, leading to the rapidly developing streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) syndrome. Fever begins, blood pressure drops, in the morning there is swelling of the foot, and by noon it can spread to the knee. As a result, respiratory problems, necrosis, organ failure, and death can occur within 48 hours.

According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the number of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome cases in Japan reached 977 by June 2024, surpassing the record of 941 cases reported during all of 2023.

Streptococcus bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children. It usually causes a sore throat, headache, fever, and a small red rash (scarlatina).

What is the cause?

The World Health Organization (WHO) believes that the increased incidence is due to seasonal increased circulation of respiratory viruses such as influenza and their combination with streptococcal bacteria, as well as weakened group immunity following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airborne droplets and physical contact transmit the infection. Foot wounds and small lesions such as blisters and foot mycosis are particularly susceptible to the bacterium. These can be the starting point for a severe condition.

Hemolytic streptococcus is quite natural for the human microflora and usually does not manifest itself in any way. However, if the immune system is weakened, a group A streptococcal infection can develop, which is the cause of toxic shock syndrome.

How serious is the danger?

The WHO predicts that the incidence rate in terms of the number of cases in Japan this year could reach 2,500. Outbreaks of infection with the "flesh-eating bacterium" have been noted in other countries as well. At the end of 2022, at least five European countries (France, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK) have reported an increase in cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease among children under 10 years of age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 14,000 and 25,000 cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease have been reported in the U.S. over the past five years, with 1,500-2,300 of those cases being fatal each year. Outbreaks of strep A infections most often occur between December and April.

Don't panic

To prevent infection, basic hygiene measures should be followed. If the disease is diagnosed, it can be treated very successfully with antibiotics in combination with other medications. The main thing is to seek medical help in time.

Continue reading

Bacterial and viral infections#viruses

What Vaccinations Should Be Done When Traveling to Foreign Countries?

Even during a pandemic, people are not ready to give up travel. Exotic destinations such as Brazil, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa are open for tourists. If you go to these countries—especially countries in Africa—you can face dangerous infections, and vaccinations can help protect you.

Dr. HeleneOct 28, 2025

Bacterial and viral infections#cold

How To Handle a Cold: 6 Tips From a General Practitioner

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we seem to have forgotten that there are other, albeit less dangerous, unpleasant viruses in the world. They are especially active during the transitional seasons—autumn and spring. Why do we catch colds so often during this period, and how do we recover as quickly as possible?

Dr. AndrewOct 28, 2025

Coronavirus#coronavirus

Can the Immune System Be Helped To Fight COVID-19?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about the importance of a strong immune system. But can it be strengthened with vitamins and supplements? And does it make sense to take them during an illness?

Dr. AnastasiaOct 28, 2025

Ornament blog#ornament blog

How Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Will Protect People From Dangerous Diseases

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live in a tropical climate and carry dangerous diseases such as dengue fever and the Zika virus. Annually, $1 million USD is budgeted to combat malevolent mosquitoes. The new development by the biotech company Oxitec, which has created genetically modified mosquitoes, will cost less and be more effective. This is an important development because mosquitoes become pesticide-resistant over time.

AlinaOct 28, 2025

Install Ornament to not only read these articles, but also track your health, store test results, and access other useful features

Install Ornament