Japan Virus - Details about Streptococcus Toxic Shock Syndrome

Streptococcus Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS):

A serious condition known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is brought on by the invasion of the Group A Streptococcus bacterium into the blood and deep tissues. STSS is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can develop when bacteria spread into deep tissues and the bloodstream.

This infection spreads when the bacteria reaches the bloodstream and infects the deep tissue, which can affect adults and children. It is believed to produce toxins that can set off a “hyper-inflammatory response” in the body, which can lead to shock, rapid tissue necrosis (RTN), and extreme pain.A infection, popularly known as the flesh-eating bacteria is spreading in Japan.

Japanese Encephalitis Virus:

Japanese encephalitis virus spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes who spread the virus from animals to humans. While humans can get infected, they do not play a role in spreading the virus further. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan stated that the number of cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) has risen to 977, surpassing the 941 instances reported last year. STSS is a rare but serious bacterial infection that occurs when germs penetrate the bloodstream and deep tissues. It was reported that the syndrome has a 30% death rate and has claimed 77 lives between January and March.

Symptoms:

Patients experience fever, muscle discomfort, and vomiting at first, but symptoms can soon worsen to include low blood pressure, edoema, and multiple organ failure when the body enters shock.

STSS include:

• Muscle pain

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fever or chills

The symptoms may aggravate after 24-48 hours after the initial symptoms show up. It may get more serious:

• Low blood pressure or hypotension

• Rapid breathing or tachypnea

• Tachycardia or fast heart rate

• Organ failure

• high fever

• headache

• neck stiffness

• disorientation

• coma

• seizures

• spastic paralysis

Strep A can cause "flesheating" necrotizing fasciitis, perhaps resulting in limb amputation. According to the CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention), the majority of individuals who get that disease have underlying health problems that may reduce their body's ability to fight infections, such as cancer or diabetes.

Birth of STSS Virus:

The virus that causes Japanese encephalitis can be found in Asia and the western Pacific. The virus is classified as a flavivirus.

•  Japanese encephalitis is caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites.
•  The Japanese encephalitis virus is spread in the environment by mosquitoes and other animals, specifically wading birds and pigs.
•  The illness is only spread occasionally through blood transfusions. Only infected mosquitos may transmit this virus. It cannot be passed on from person to person.
• Japanese encephalitis cannot be contracted by being around or consuming the meat of an infected animal.

source: Image by Freepix

Process of spread of Virus:

JEV (Japanese encephalitis virus) is transmitted to humans via mosquito bites from infected Culex species, specifically Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Once infected, humans do not produce enough viraemia to infect feeding mosquitos. The virus spreads by mosquitoes, pigs, and/or water fowl (enzootic cycle). The disease is most prevalent in rural and periurban areas, where people are in closer proximity to these vertebrate hosts.In most temperate areas of Asia, JEV is transmitted mostly during the summer season, when significant epidemics can develop. In the tropics and subtropics, transmission can occur year-round, but generally accelerates during the rainy season and pre-harvest time in rice-cultivating regions.

Who risk more?

While anyone can become infected with the bacteria, several variables that raise the risk include:

• Individuals aged 65 or older

• Anyone who has had surgery or a viral infection.

• Individuals with alcoholism or diabetes.


The incubation period:

• An incubation period is the time it takes to become infected and begin experiencing symptoms.

• Symptoms usually appear 5 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.


Protective measures

Prevention of mosquito bites is critical for illness prevention.

• using mosquito repellent

• the use of mosquito nets

• sleeping in screened or air-conditioned rooms

• wearing clothing that covers most of the


Treament:

• There are no medicines available to treat Japanese encephalitis. Treatment is focused on relieving       symptoms. However, a vaccine is available to prevent disease.

• Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms.

• Hospitalization for supportive care and close observation is generally required.

References:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/17/asia/japan-record-spike-stss-bacterial-infection-intl-hnk/index.html

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/japanese-encephalitis

https://www.indiatoday.in/newsmo/video/japans-battles-flesh-eating-bacteria