Japan reassures world that ‘Flesh-eating’ bacterium is not a cause for alarm

Health authorities in Japan are urging travelers not to cancel their trips despite a recent outbreak of a rare and potentially fatal “flesh-eating disease.” Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) cases are on the rise, but officials are emphasizing that there is no need for panic.

Basic preventive measures such as hand washing, wearing face masks, and keeping wounds clean have been highlighted as effective ways to prevent infection. Concerns about travel to Japan escalated after reports in European media described the spread of a dangerous infectious disease at a rapid pace.

North Korea even canceled the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament in Pyongyang, citing epidemic prevention for the contagious disease in Japan. However, to reassure potential visitors, a ministry official pointed out that the World Health Organization did not recommend limiting travel to Europe in 2022 when STSS cases surged there.

STSS is a severe form of infection caused by the bacterium streptococcus pyogenes, which typically causes strep throat in childhood. The disease tends to peak in April and May, coinciding with the start of the new school term. It can lead to necrosis of muscle tissue and multiple organ failure, with a high mortality rate among patients in their 30s and older.

Last year, Japan reported a record 941 cases of infection, with 556 cases already reported nationwide as of March 24 this year. The spread of a highly contagious variant of the pathogen from Europe and the United States has been a concern, particularly in the Kanto region. Despite the alarming numbers, health authorities are stressing the importance of preventive measures and are not advising against travel to Japan.