Japan Sees Spike In Disease Caused By 'Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria' That Can Kill Within 48 Hours

A total of 977 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have been discovered in the country by June 2.

This is higher than the record 941 cases reported for all of last year, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, which has been tracking incidences of the disease since 1999.

The rare flesh-eating bacteria—Group A Streptococcus or GAS—typically causes swelling and sore throat. However, in some cases, the bacteria can lead to rapidly developing symptoms, including limb pain and swelling, fever, and low blood pressure, which can be followed by necrosis, breathing problems, organ failure, and death, according to Bloomberg.