Japan reports increase in invasive Group A streptococcus infections
Japan reports increase in invasive Group A streptococcus infections
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) are reporting a significant increase in cases of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections in the first months of 2024.
The country is reporting the total to date is 40% of last year's total within the first two months of 2024.
NIID provisional data shows there were 941 iGAS cases reported nationwide last year. The number of patients has continued to increase this year, reaching 378 as of Feb. 25. Cases have been confirmed in 45 of Japan's 47 prefectures, with only Akita and Iwate not recording a case.
The Japanese Health Ministry says the cause of the increase in unknown; however, the prevalence of sore throats among children since last summer is cited as a contributing factor in the increase in severe cases. Additionally, strains within Group A streptococcus known for their high pathogenicity, already widely reported in Britain, have also been confirmed domestically.
In January, the ministry asked local governments to analyze strains collected from acute cases.
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The ministry emphasizes that basic infection control measures such as hand hygiene and cough etiquette are crucial, as the infection spreads through droplets or contact between people.
Group A strep commonly causes sore throat, a mild and common condition that can be easily treated. While rare, invasive group A strep infections are severe and cause diseases like pneumonia, sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, and a serious skin and tissue infection called necrotizing fasciitis. An invasive infection occurs when bacteria like group A strep move beyond the throat or skin, where they are likely to cause mild infection, and enter the bloodstream, lungs, fluid in the spinal cord, or other places inside the body they would not typically live.
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