In Japan, the spread of a deadly bacteria worries the population

The country is facing severe forms of infections caused by the streptococcal A bacteria. The government is calling for a resumption of barrier gestures.

Japan worried about recent surge in cases infections of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSSS), a form of severe infection caused by group A streptococci (GAS). Between the start of the year and March 13, the country recorded 474 cases of SCTS: this is more than half of all cases of SCTS recorded in Japan in 2023 (941 in total).

Most infections caused by GAS are mild, such as angina and impetigo. But SCTS, which releases toxins that can cause the body’s organs to fail, is fatal in one in three cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, “the number of patients with respiratory tract infections has increased in various countries, including Japan”, said Japanese government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi during his regular press briefing on Friday March 22, emphasizing that Japan is not the only country affected by SCTS.

Waves of invasive group A streptococcal infections have also occurred in 2022-2023 in Europe, North America and even Australia. GAS is transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact (nasal secretions, skin lesions).

In January, the Japanese Minister of Health had already called on the population to continue to use barrier gestures, such as washing their hands regularly and wearing a mask in busy public places.

Pyongyang refuses to host the Japanese football team

North Korea informed Japan on Thursday that it could not host on its soil a match between their two qualifying teams for the 2026 World Cup and which was initially scheduled for next Tuesday, according to the Japan Football Federation.

Pyongyang did not specify the reason, but the SCTS epidemic in Japan is believed to be the cause, according to the Japanese news agency Kyodo. The match will be played on neutral ground at a later date, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Friday.

Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment Friday on Pyongyang’s surprise move, but insisted Japan was not the only country affected by SCTS.