Flesh-Eating Bacteria Risks Associated with Minor Injuries and Untreated Athlete’s Foot

It has already surpassed the highest number of reports from 2023.

Flesh-eating bacteria, also known as severe streptococcal infection (severe group A streptococcal infection), are rapidly spreading. According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, there were 708 cases in 2022 and 941 cases in 2023. However, as of July 7 this year, there have already been 1,060 cases, surpassing the number reported in 2023, which was the highest since statistics began in 1999. 

“At our hospital, we used to see one or two cases a year, but since I was assigned to the emergency department last October, we have been receiving patients one after another until March this year, which was quite surprising.”

This statement is made by Dr. Yusaku Saijo, a physician in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery at Nippon Medical School Hospital, who treated patients with severe streptococcal infections. He reported that he treated 11 to 12 patients over a six-month period.

What makes severe streptococcal infection frightening is the rapid deterioration of symptoms. Initially, the arms or legs swell and become painful, then the swollen areas become hot and eventually, the tissue begins to necrose. Blood pressure drops, respiratory conditions worsen, and overall health deteriorates with possible liver and kidney failure. In rare cases, death can occur within a few dozen hours of onset.

“Moreover, most patients are otherwise healthy individuals without preexisting conditions.”

A person who was perfectly healthy just a week ago can suddenly become severely ill and even die. The mortality rate is as high as 30%, which is why it is referred to as ‘flesh-eating bacteria.’

There is a possibility that bacteria can enter through small wounds or conditions like athlete’s foot.

You definitely don’t want to contract such a disease. What precautions should be taken?

“The route of infection is still not well understood. However, a review of medical records from the past ten years suggests that the infection can sometimes start from an area where an injury occurred.”

There have been cases where hitting a wall with a fist led to swelling and subsequent onset of the infection.

It is thought that bacteria might enter through small wounds and then cause severe streptococcal infection. With increased opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming or hiking, the risk of injuries also rises, making it important to be cautious. It’s not just wounds that are a concern; bacteria can also enter through conditions like athlete’s foot or blisters. 

“Since the exact route of infection is not clear, any possibility should be considered. It cannot be ruled out that bacteria could enter through areas affected by athlete’s foot.”

Even small wounds should not be taken lightly. If you get injured, make sure to thoroughly wash and disinfect the wound, and take proper care of conditions like athlete’s foot.

What is concerning is that the infection can occur even without a known injury or athlete’s foot.

“There are patients who do not recall any specific injury.” 

“It might be that they simply forgot, but it’s possible that the infection starts from minor bruises or wounds that don’t leave a significant memory.

 

 

“Although the exact cause is unknown, if you experience swelling, pain, or a warm sensation in any area, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately.” 

In city clinics, it is sometimes not possible to diagnose severe streptococcal infection.

What makes this disease frightening is that even if you seek medical attention, you might not feel reassured. This is because diagnosing severe streptococcal infection can be challenging in a clinic setting.

 

“To diagnose severe streptococcal infection, it is necessary to incise the swollen area and perform a tissue biopsy. However, smaller clinics may not consider making an incision. Often, they prescribe antibiotics and monitor the condition instead.

 

This approach is usually sufficient, but the problem is that severe streptococcal infection could be mixed in with other conditions.”

 

Even if medications are prescribed, there may be no improvement, and the pain can become increasingly severe.

 

“Many patients who come to our hospital have initially visited dermatology or orthopedics clinics. They often end up being transported by ambulance due to unbearable pain, low blood pressure, and confusion.”

 

While Dr. Saijo has not seen any patients who have died, some have undergone up to eight surgeries to amputate necrotic parts or remove dead tissue.

 

As for why there has been a sharp increase this year, one theory is that the heightened cleanliness during the COVID-19 pandemic might have weakened immune systems, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infections. 

 

“I believe various institutions are researching this, but the cause remains unknown.”

 

The lack of understanding is partly because there have been so few cases in the past. The limited data makes it challenging to clarify the nature of the disease.

 

“I hope to integrate valuable data from affected individuals and share the disease’s characteristics with healthcare professionals to facilitate early diagnosis.”