The number of cases of infection with "man-eating bacteria" in Japan has increased to nearly 1,000, and there is a certain risk of infection in China

The 'man-eating bacteria' is a Gram-positive coccus that may have a certain degree of drug resistance. Once it enters the human body, it will progress very quickly and can cause shock and multiple organ failure. At present, there is a certain risk of transmission to China. "On June 17, Lin Minggui, director of the infectious disease department of Beijing Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital, told the People's Daily Health Client reporter that people preparing to travel to Japan should pay attention to maintaining good personal hygiene habits, and it is recommended that people with risk factors should not go to Japan unless necessary in the near future.

The number of patients with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, commonly known as the "man-eating bacteria" infection, has surged in Japan recently, with nearly 1,000 cases reported so far this year. The disease has a mortality rate of about 30%, and the specific reasons for the rapid increase in the number of patients are still unclear.

Zhao Wei, director of the Biosafety Research Center of the School of Public Health of Southern Medical University, told reporters that the "man-eating bacteria" infection currently prevalent in Japan is an acute syndrome caused by β-hemolytic streptococcal exotoxin. β-hemolytic streptococci are mainly transmitted through contact and air droplets. After infection, they are usually asymptomatic. A few can penetrate into tissues such as blood and muscle. The initial symptoms include fever and chills, and occasionally lead to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Severe patients will experience multiple organ failure and limb necrosis. In fact, this type of bacteria is more common in clinical practice. Although the mortality rate of severe illness caused by "man-eating bacteria" infection is high, the proportion of severe illness is very low, and most patients are over 65 years old. Therefore, the general public does not need to panic too much. In the long run, the impact is limited.

Lin Minggui explained, "According to the current situation, most of the sick people are elderly people over 65 years old and those with wounds or skin ulcers. If you are healthy, young, and have no skin damage or underlying diseases, the probability of infection is low. But if you are older, have underlying diseases or immunodeficiency, or are malnourished, you may be infected through respiratory droplets, or physical contact, skin damage, etc. The most important prevention is to take good protection, pay attention to safe distance, and wash your hands frequently."

"At present, it is mainly the elderly who should pay attention to strengthening prevention. If the elderly have small wounds or ulcers on their bodies, especially on their feet, family members and caregivers need to pay attention to keeping the wounds or ulcers clean, disinfect them frequently, and promote healing as soon as possible; if you have swollen feet, high fever, etc., you should go to a medical institution as soon as possible." Zhao Wei said.