Japan's Surge in 'Flesh-Eating Bacteria' Cases: Over 1,000 Reported as of Mid-June 2024

Japan
Diagnosing requires several tests including blood tests to detect group A strep bacteria and check organ function. A diagnosis is confirmed with a group A strep infection and signs of two or more organ failures.
Japan has reported over 1,000 cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) or 'flesh-eating bacteria' as of mid-June 2024.
Preventing STSS involves good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth while you cough or sneeze. Seek medical attention for any signs of infection to prevent further infections that can sometimes lead to STSS.
Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting which can progress to low blood pressure, organ failure and death within 24 to 48 hours. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria cause this severe bacterial infection.
The Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases reported a total of 1,027 cases and 78 deaths as of June 2024. Out of ten people with STSS, three may die from the infection.
Treatment involves strong antibiotics through an IV, fluids to stabilize the patient's blood pressure, and in severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove infected tissue.
Japan's Surge in 'Flesh-Eating Bacteria' Cases: Over 1,000 Reported as of Mid-June 2024

A rare and potentially deadly bacterial infection, known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), or 'flesh-eating bacteria,' is spreading rapidly in Japan. According to various sources, there have been over 1,000 reported cases of STSS in Japan as of mid-June 2024. This figure surpasses the previous record of 941 cases reported for all of 2023.

Symptoms of STSS include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting which can progress to low blood pressure, organ failure, rapid heart rate and fast breathing within 24 to 48 hours. Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria are the primary cause of this severe bacterial infection.

The Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases has been tracking STSS cases since 1999, reporting a total of 1,027 cases and 78 deaths as of June 2024. The CDC states that out of ten people with STSS, three may die from the infection.

Preventing STSS involves good hygiene practices such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth while you cough or sneeze. Care for wounds properly and seek medical attention for any signs of infection to prevent the bacteria from causing further infections that can sometimes lead to STSS.

Diagnosing STSS requires 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.

Treating STSS involves giving strong antibiotics through an IV to kill the bacteria, providing fluids to stabilize the patient's blood pressure, and in severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove infected tissue.

The exact cause of this year's surge in STSS cases remains unclear. Some experts suggest that weakened immune systems following Covid may contribute to the rise. It is important for individuals to practice good hygiene and seek medical attention promptly if they suspect an infection.


Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image
Article Image

Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • Some experts suggest that weakened immune systems following Covid may contribute to the rise, but this has not been scientifically proven.
  • The exact cause of this year's surge in STSS cases remains unclear.

Sources

99%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Japan: What Is STSS, How It Spreads, Should You Worry?

Bloomberg News Now Samson Ellis, Tuesday, 18 June 2024 13:19
  • Unique Points
    • Japan is dealing with over 1000 reported cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) as of early June.
    • Experts fear the number of STSS cases in Japan could reach 2500 this year.
    • Health authorities have reported higher numbers of STSS cases in 2023 than in all previous years.
  • Accuracy
    • ]Japan is dealing with over 1,000 reported cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) as of early June.[
    • Experts fear the number of STSS cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year.
    • There is a disease called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by flesh-eating bacteria that can kill people within 48 hours.
    • As of June 2, Japan recorded 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in 2023
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

97%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Flesh-Eating Bacteria That Can Kill in Two Days Spreads in Japan

Bloomberg News Now Akemi Terukina Tuesday, 18 June 2024 13:19
  • Unique Points
    • There is a disease called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by flesh-eating bacteria that can kill people within 48 hours.
  • Accuracy
    • The number of STSS cases in Japan reached 977 by June 2, 2023
    • Over 1,000 cases of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have been reported in Japan in the first half of 2024.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

96%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Japan reports record spike in potentially deadly bacterial infection

CNN News Site: In-Depth Reporting and Analysis with Some Financial Conflicts and Sensational Language Helen Regan, Monday, 17 June 2024 06:55
  • Unique Points
    • As of June 2, Japan recorded 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in 2023
    • Most STSS cases are caused by the group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria
  • Accuracy
    No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (95%)
    The article contains some instances of appeals to authority and inflammatory rhetoric, but no formal or dichotomous fallacies are present. The authors provide several quotes from experts and reputable organizations such as the CDC to support their claims about STSS. However, they also use phrases like 'record levels' and 'highest since statistics began' to create a sense of urgency and alarm, which could be considered inflammatory rhetoric.
    • ]The ongoing outbreak in Japan has already surpassed last year[']s previous record of 941 preliminary infections [/…] the highest since statistics began in 1999.[/
    • Even with treatment, STSS can be deadly. Out of 10 people with STSS, as many as three people will die from the infection.[
    • The CDC says older people with an open wound are at increased risk of contracting STSS, including those who have recently had surgery.
    • We can boost immunity if we are constantly exposed to bacteria. But that mechanism was absent during the coronavirus pandemic. So, more people are now susceptible to infection, and that may be one reason for the sharp rise in cases.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

‘Flesh-eating bacteria’ disease spreads in Japan, killing some in 2 days

Global News Canada Michelle Butterfield Tuesday, 18 June 2024 13:21
  • Unique Points
    • Over 1,000 cases of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have been reported in Japan in the first half of 2024.
    • Doctors warn that symptoms of STSS can be fatal within 48 hours.
    • Individuals over the age of 50 are particularly susceptible to severe disease and death from STSS.
    • Prompt attention and intervention with high-dose IV antibiotics is crucial for treating STSS.
    • Good hygiene practices, including thorough hand washing, treating any GAS infections promptly, and keeping a close eye on any wounds or cuts can help prevent the spread of Group A Streptococcus bacteria.
  • Accuracy
    • There is a disease called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by flesh-eating bacteria that can kill people within 48 hours.
    • As of June 2, Japan recorded 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in 2023
  • Deception (80%)
    The article does not make any editorializing or pontification statements by the author. However, there are instances of sensationalism and selective reporting. The title 'Flesh-eating bacteria disease spreads in Japan, killing some in 2 days' is sensational as it implies that all cases of Strep A lead to death within 2 days which is not true. Additionally, the article focuses on the number of cases and deaths without providing context or comparison to previous years or other countries. This selective reporting creates a misleading impression about the severity of the situation.
    • As of June 2, Japan reported 977 STSS cases, already surpassing last year’s total of 941 cases within the first six months of 2024.
    • Flesh-eating bacteria disease spreads in Japan, killing some in 2 days
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

98%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

Explained: What's Causing The Spread Of "Flesh-Eating Bacteria" In Japan

NDTV News Monday, 17 June 2024 09:47
  • Unique Points
    • There have been over 900 reported cases of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) in Japan as of June 2, 2023.
    • Symptoms of STSS include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting which can progress to low blood pressure, organ failure, rapid heart rate and fast breathing within 24 to 48 hours.
    • Group A Streptococcus (GAS) usually causes strep throat but in adults it can lead to serious symptoms like limb pain, swelling, fever and low blood pressure which can progress to tissue death, breathing problems, organ failure and sometimes death.
    • Preventing STSS involves practising good hygiene such as washing hands regularly and covering your mouth while you cough and sneeze. Care for wounds properly and seek medical attention for any signs of infection.
    • 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.
    • Treating STSS involves giving strong antibiotics through an IV to kill the bacteria, providing fluids to stabilise the patient’s blood pressure, and in severe cases surgery might be needed to remove infected tissue.
  • Accuracy
    • Experts fear the number of STSS cases in Japan could reach 2,500 this year.
    • The number of STSS cases in Japan reached 977 by June 2, 2023.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication