Explainer | How Hongkongers can guard against ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria causing record cases in Japan
- With the country recording nearly 1,000 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome so far this year, what should travellers do to avoid infection?
Japan has logged a record number of cases of a potentially deadly condition caused by “flesh-eating” bacteria, prompting widespread concern among travellers and warnings from Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection.
Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases said earlier this month there had been 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome so far this year.
The figure surpassed the 941 cases recorded in the whole of 2023, which was the highest number reported in a year since records began.
With more than 1 million Hongkongers heading to Japan in the first five months of this year alone, the Post breaks down what the bacterial infection is and how to protect yourself.
1. What is the bacteria?
According to the Centre for Health Protection, an infection of Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A streptococcus (GAS), can lead to mild and common illnesses such as a sore throat or skin infection, such as impetigo.