The government in Tokyo sought on Friday to allay fears at home and abroad over a recent significant increase in cases of a life-threatening bacterial infection. Japan is not the only country affected by the so-called toxic shock syndrome (TSS for short), according to a government spokesperson.
Since the end of the corona pandemic, the number of respiratory diseases has “increased in several countries”. From January 1 to March 13, 474 cases of TSS caused by streptococcal bacteria were recorded in Japan. That is more than half the number of cases in the entire last year, namely 941. Toxic shock syndrome can lead to organ failure and is fatal in one in three cases.
North Korea had informed the Japan Football Association that it would not be able to host the Japanese team as planned for a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The internationally isolated country did not give any reason.
According to Japanese news agency Kyodo, the increased number of TSS cases in Japan was likely the reason. The match scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed and will now take place at a later date at a neutral venue, the Asian Football Association said.
Also called ‘tampon disease’.
In 2022 and 2023 there were also increased infections with streptococci type A, which can cause TSS, in Europe, North America and Australia. The syndrome is also colloquially called ‘tampon disease’ because in most cases it occurs in connection with the use of tampons during menstruation.
The pathogen is transmitted via droplets
The pathogen is also transmitted via droplets. The Japanese Ministry of Health had already called on the population in January to wash their hands regularly, keep their distance from other people and wear a face mask in crowded public places.
Source: Krone
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