Japan tries to reassure world about outbreak of 'flesh-eating' disease

Japan has attempted to ease global fears over the terrifying outbreak of a “flesh-eating” disease that has seen cases spiral in recent days.

Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have continued to grow at a high rate – but officials have doubled down on fears over the numbers.

According to insiders, simple steps including hand washing, wearing a face mask and keeping wounds clean have helped prevent the infection from spreading.

Panic over the STSS outbreak grew last month after the “dangerous infectious disease” began spreading at a record pace.

Such was the worry from other nations, the likes of North Korea opted to cancel its Asian qualifiers against Japan for the 2026 World Cup.

Scheduled to be helped in North Korea’s capital of Pyongyang, officials said the matches would not go ahead due to “epidemic prevention for the contagious disease spreading in Japan.”

However, in a move to reassure potential visitors, a ministry official pointed out that Europe too has been struck by similar outbreaks – including back in 2022.

Back then, the health body recommended limiting travel to Europe that year as a result of STSS cases rising.

STSS is described as a rare, severe form of infection that is caused by bacterium streptococcus pyogenes. These usually cause acute pharyngitis, or strep throat, in childhood.

Reports show that the number of these cases tend to rise in April and May when the new school term begins.

The disease can caused necrosis of muscle tissue and multiple organ failure.

It ordinarily impacts those in their 30s and older more, with around 30 percent of STSS cases resulting in death as symptoms can suddenly grow critically worse.

In Japan alone, last year record numbers of infection were reported, with 941 cases confirmed according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

Figures show that as of March 24, 556 cases had so far been reported in Japan.

The data adds that since the back end of last year, patients with a highly contagious variant of the disease circulating the US and Europe have been increasing.