There is a fear of a dangerous disease spreading in Japan which is called "flesh eating bacteria" It is being said that the cause of this disease is a dangerous bacteria, which becomes fatal by damaging the body’s tissues. This bacteria is especially affecting children below 15 years of age and the elderly the most.
This disease is called Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). This bacteria causes symptoms like swelling in the body, sore throat, and severe pain. If timely treatment is not received, this bacteria can kill a person within 48 hours. According to Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, about 1,000 cases of this disease have been reported so far.
How does this bacteria spread?
This bacteria does not eat flesh directly, but kills body tissue, causing swelling and pain. It is called flesh-eater because it destroys body tissue. Infection with this bacteria causes necrosis (death of tissue), which leads to serious problems, such as burning sensation in the body, difficulty in breathing, and organ failure.
What are Japan’s health officials doing?
Health officials in Japan are keeping a close watch on the situation and all hospitals have been put on alert. Awareness campaigns are being run to warn people about the dangers of this disease. Doctors believe that by the end of this year, the death toll from this disease may reach 30%.
How to prevent it?
To avoid this disease, doctors have advised people to wash hands frequently, wear masks, and get any open wounds treated immediately. The infection of this bacteria can spread from one person to another, so caution is very important. This disease has now spread to some countries in Europe, such as Britain, France, Ireland, Netherlands, and Sweden, where children are being affected the most. Therefore, early identification and timely treatment of this disease is very important.
If you get infected, take these precautions
- Consult a doctor immediately: If you get infected with this bacteria, consult a doctor without delay. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
- Care for wounds: Keep infected wounds clean and dry. Clean the wound frequently and use dressings recommended by your doctor.
- Maintain hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially after you touch the wound. This will help prevent the spread of infection.
- Monitor symptoms: If you feel the infection getting worse, such as increased swelling, severe pain, or a high fever, call your doctor right away.
- Follow isolation: If the doctor advises, keep yourself away from others, so that the infection does not spread further.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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