Contagiousness and risk of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

These days, the number of patients with an infectious disease called streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is increasing significantly in Japan.  There are even reports that the fatality rate is as high as 30%, so many people are afraid to travel to Japan.  Let's find out how contagious it is and what we need to be careful about by watching Korea's SBS News on March 24, 2024.

Occurrence status of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS)

In Japan, 414 STS patients were confirmed in January and February 2024 alone.  Nearly half of the number of patients in 2023 has emerged in just two months.

Transmission of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)

People are worried that if many people come and go, it may spread globally.  Let’s find out the infection route.  According to Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the infection routes of 500 patients reported over the five years since 2006 are as follows.

• Infection through wounds 42%
• 7% are infected through droplets (bacteria transmitted in saliva through coughing at close range)

Therefore, it is not as contagious as the COVID-19, which is transmitted through the air and into the respiratory tract.  There is no need to misunderstand that it spreads easily to people like a respiratory infection and causes many people to die.

Risk of Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)

• Many news reports say that the fatality rate is 30%. This does not mean that 30% of infected people will die, but that 30% of patients who develop severe shock as the infection worsens may die.

• According to experts, although it is not common, it is a disease that originally existed in Korea, so there is no need to worry.
• Many people have streptococcus in their bodies, but if they have a good immune system, it can be overlooked, and it is rare for it to lead to shock, which causes inflammation throughout the body.
• Korea's Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency also stated that the likelihood of STSS spreading to other countries is low.
• However, caution is required if you are over 65 years old or have surgical wounds.  You must follow basic precautions such as wearing a mask and washing your hands.

In this post, we looked into how contagious Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is and what to watch out for.  Don't worry too much, but take good care of your basic health.