Health authorities are recommending that travelers refrain from cancelling their trips to Japan, even as the country experiences a surge in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a severe and sometimes deadly illness. While the outbreak of this "flesh-eating disease" is concerning, officials are emphasizing that there is no need for panic and that practicing basic hygiene measures, such as hand washing, using face masks, and maintaining wound cleanliness, can effectively reduce the risk of infection.
Amid reports of the infectious disease spreading rapidly in Japan, concerns over travel to the country have escalated, with North Korea even canceling the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament in Pyongyang as a precaution against the outbreak. The World Health Organization's stance on the situation provides some reassurance, as they did not advise restrictions on travel to Europe in 2022 during a surge in STSS cases there, offering a perspective on the current situation in Japan.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, caused by the bacterium streptococcus pyogenes, is a rare and severe infection that typically occurs in adults, especially those in their 30s and older. The disease, characterized by a rapid onset and the potential for necrosis of muscle tissue and organ failure, can be fatal in around 30 percent of cases due to the sudden worsening of symptoms. Despite a record number of cases reported in Japan last year and an increasing presence of a highly contagious variant of the pathogen in the Kanto region, health officials are emphasizing the importance of following preventive measures to mitigate the risk of infection.