Health experts in Japan are warning of a rare and dangerous bacterial infection spreading at a record rate across the country, while officials seek to determine the cause of this phenomenon. There is growing concern that the more severe and deadly strain of "Streptococcus" bacteria will continue to spread, following the identification of highly dangerous and infectious strains in Japan. The number of infections is expected to surpass last year's record numbers in 2024. The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan stated, "There are still many unknown factors regarding the mechanisms of this bacteria's spread, and we are not at the stage where we can explain it."
Official numbers from the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases reported 941 cases last year. However, in just the first two months of 2024, 378 cases have already been recorded, with infections identified in all 47 prefectures of Japan, except for two. While the elderly are considered more vulnerable, the Group A strain of Streptococcus is leading to more fatalities among patients under 50, according to the institute. Local newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that among 65 individuals under 50 diagnosed with the bacteria, around one-third, or 21 individuals, have died.
