Fatality Rate 30% Mysterious Disease Spreading... Should I Travel to Japan?

Increase in Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome Patients in Japan

The 'Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome' (STSS), known to have a fatality rate exceeding 30% in Japan, is rapidly increasing again this year, prompting travelers to exercise caution.

According to local media such as NHK and Kyodo News on the 11th, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan reported that the number of STSS cases reported (preliminary figures) up to June 2 this year reached 977, which is 2.8 times higher than the same period last year. This already surpasses last year's record high of 941 cases for the entire year and is the highest since the current counting method began in 1999.

STSS is an invasive infectious disease caused by infection with Group A Streptococcus, which rapidly worsens into severe conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and multiple organ failure, showing a high fatality rate. Generally, infection with Group A Streptococcus causes mild respiratory symptoms similar to influenza. However, in severe cases, it can progress to necrotizing fasciitis and multiple organ failure. Especially when it develops into STSS, elderly patients may die within 48 hours.

The main routes of infection are direct contact through mucous membranes or skin wounds. Respiratory infection through droplets is also possible. Secondary infection can occur if there is close contact with a patient, but sustained human-to-human transmission is rare. Since there is currently no vaccine developed, early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial.

Professor Ken Kikuchi of Tokyo Women's Medical University told NHK, "This increasing trend is unprecedented, so there is a sense of crisis." Health Minister Keizo Takemi stated, "STSS is increasing not only in Japan but also in several other countries," and added, "It would be good to take basic infection prevention measures."

Given the situation, voices expressing concern about traveling to Japan are emerging mainly on online communities. One netizen said, "There is an emergency because an infectious disease called STSS is spreading in Japan, and the fatality rate is said to be 30%," adding, "I am traveling to Japan next week, but I don't know if I should go. Hearing that makes me anxious."

Meanwhile, as Korean tourists continue to visit Japan, there are forecasts that the number of Korean tourists visiting Japan this year may exceed 10 million, the highest ever. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan in April was 3,042,900. Among them, Koreans were the largest group at 661,200, an increase of 41.6% compared to the same period last year. The cumulative total from January to April this year reached 28.86 million, recovering to 94% of the level in the same period of 2019.