Japan reports record number of invasive group A streptococcus cases in 2024
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) has reported a record number of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) cases so far in 2024.
There have been 977 cases of the disease caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes during the first half of the year, which is often associated with strep throat but occasionally leads to limb necrosis and multiple organ failure.
This has surpassed the total number of cases reported in 2023 when 941 cases were reported. At that time, that was highest annual number of cases tallied since mandatory reporting began in 1999.
By prefecture, Tokyo reported the highest number of cases at 145. Infections of more virulent and contagious strains of the bacterium are increasingly being reported, particularly in the Kanto region centering on Tokyo, according to the NIID.
Ken Kikuchi, a professor specializing in infectious disease at Tokyo Women's Medical University, said foot wounds are particularly susceptible to streptococcal bacterial infection, and small injuries like blisters and athlete's foot can be entry points. It can take as little as 48 hours from infection to death in elderly patients, he said.
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"High fever accompanied by delirium or rapid swelling of wounds are dangerous signs," and immediate medical attention should be sought, he added.
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus, commonly causes mild illnesses such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever. However, on rare occasions, the infection can lead to invasive disease that can cause life-threatening conditions and is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person and can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or contact with a wound.