Record High of ‘Man-Eating Bacteria’ Patients in Six Months as Yu Darvish’s Mentor Dies Suddenly in Cruel End

On June 11, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases announced that the number of patients with ‘hemolytic streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes)’ infection, commonly known as ‘man-eating bacteria,’ which is said to have a mortality rate of over 30%, reached 977 people (preliminary figure) this year.

Last year, which had the highest number of patients to date, was 941 people, but this number has been exceeded in half a year. Experts are urging those with suspected infections to seek medical attention early.

In March ’22, Yasuaki Imanari, former Nippon-Ham scout, died suddenly from ‘hemolytic streptococcus infection.’ This year marks the third anniversary of his death. In FRIDAY Digital, an interview article featuring Ryota Imanari, Mr. Imanari’s second son and former professional baseball player, discusses the sudden change in condition and the fearfulness of this disease, as well as the final moments with his father. The article published on May 29 will be reprinted (with some additions and corrections).

“My father, who had such good color in his face, turned into a completely different person in just two hours. Initially, only his fingertips turned purple, but it quickly spread up to his wrists. His hands were swollen like gloves. Soon, his feet and face swelled too. It was cruel.”

On March 2, ’22, Yasuaki Imanari (age 66), a Nippon-Ham scout, passed away suddenly from ‘hemolytic streptococcus infection,’ commonly known as ‘man-eating bacteria.’ His son, Ryota Imanari (age 36), who played as a catcher for Nippon-Ham and Hanshin Tigers, quietly reflected on his father’s final moments, remembering the renowned scout.

During his time at Komazawa University, Mr. Yasuaki excelled as a catcher, leading his team to two collegiate national championships. However, he had to abandon his professional aspirations due to injury. After graduating in 1978, he joined the Hanshin Tigers as a scout. He contributed to the acquisition of prominent players who continue to excel today, such as current leaders like Katsuo Hirata, head coach of the first team (age 64), and Yutaka Wada, manager of the second team (age 61). Since 2003, he served as a scout for the Nippon-Ham Fighters, playing a key role in acquiring prominent players representing Major League Baseball like Yu Darvish (age 37) and Shohei Ohtani (age 29).

Just before Yu Darvish was drafted in September 2004, FRIDAY published ‘suspected smoking photos’ taken on campus. Amid concerns about his conduct, which made all teams hesitant about drafting him, Nippon-Ham succeeded in selecting him solely based on Mr. Yasuaki’s keen judgment.

“My father, who was an early riser, one day woke up at 3 a.m. and went to Tohoku High School. There, he saw Mr. Darvish running alone on the field in the early morning. Knowing his dedication to baseball, my father reportedly advised the team that he was fundamentally not a bad person, so we should recruit him.”

Mr. Darvish also revealed to Ryota that “I owe my coming to professional baseball to Mr. Imanari.”

The energetic Mr. Yasuaki participated in Nippon-Ham’s Okinawa camp as usual from February 1, even in the year he passed away in ’22. However, he experienced an incident shortly after returning home around February 20.

“My father, who lived alone in Saitama, was struck by severe diarrhea and vomiting after returning home but did not go to the hospital. Ten years ago, he had prostate cancer and was given a terminal prognosis, but he fully recovered, so he had confidence in his physical strength and wanted to observe his condition, I think.”

However, he did not recover by the next morning and was taken to the hospital by an acquaintance, where he was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit. He continued to have a slight fever, and intensive treatment was conducted to restore his lowered blood pressure. Although his condition temporarily improved, it worsened again after three to four days. At that time, during the COVID-19 pandemic, only a limited number of family members could enter the hospital room. His eldest son, Yuuta (age 38, Fujioka City Council member in Saitama Prefecture), representing the family, received a grim prognosis from the attending doctor.

“Because there is no blood pressure to pass blood to the ends of his limbs, if the numbers do not recover within 72 hours, amputation may be necessary.”

By then, Mr. Yasuaki was already infected with Streptococcus pyogenes, and necrosis of his limbs and other parts was rapidly progressing. As Ryota mentioned earlier, his condition deteriorated rapidly. After returning from Okinawa, he passed away just ten days later. Ryota mentioned he couldn’t be present at his father’s final moments due to his baseball duties.

 

 

This year, marking the third anniversary of Mr. Yasuaki’s passing, cases of ‘hemolytic streptococcus infection’ are increasing at a record pace surpassing last year’s numbers. According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, there were 941 domestic patients last year. By May 5 this year, there had been 801 reported cases, approaching last year’s total.

Dr. Yasutaka Mizuno, director of Global Healthcare Clinic, explains the dangers of the ‘man-eating bacteria’ that claimed Mr. Yasuaki’s life.

 

 

“It’s a type of infection caused by hemolytic streptococcus, particularly known for its severe symptoms. Common initial symptoms include swelling of the limbs, preceded by fever, chills, muscle pain, diarrhea, similar to influenza-like symptoms. Due to its aggressive nature, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, rapidly leading to necrosis of muscle and skin tissues within hours. Delayed treatment can lead to septic shock and multiple organ failure, resulting in death. Mr. Imanari’s case is believed to correspond to this scenario.”

While streptococcus is known as a common cause of children’s throat infections and is ubiquitous, the mechanism behind why it becomes severe, with a mortality rate of 30%, remains unclear. Dr. Mizuno continues:

“Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly increase chances of survival. Since streptococcus is a common resident bacterium, it’s crucial to be prepared with the mindset that ‘if it happens, it happens.’ I rarely hear of cases where it escalates due to airborne transmission. Most cases occur through wounds such as trauma, so immediate disinfection of injuries is important to prevent bacterial entry. If you experience high fever after an injury or notice swelling from a wound, inform healthcare providers about the possibility of infection. Early suspicion by doctors can greatly reduce the risk of the worst outcomes.”

Ryota recalls.

“I often wonder what would have happened if he had gone to the hospital. It’s a regret that I couldn’t directly convey my gratitude to him.”

He strongly hopes that others do not experience this sense of regret.

From the May 31, 2024 issue of FRIDAY