Between the beginning of the year and March 13, Japan recorded 474 cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (CSTS), a form of serious infection caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) bacteria, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan.
This accounted for more than half of all SCTS cases reported in Japan in 2023 (941).
Most infections caused by GAS are mild, such as angina and impetigo. But SCTS, which can cause toxicity, leaves Failure of body organsEast Fatal in one out of three casesAccording to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A qualifying football match for the World Cup at a neutral ground
North Korea informed Japan on Thursday that it will not be able to host a match between their two qualifying teams for the 2026 World Cup on its soil, which was initially scheduled for next Tuesday, according to the Japan Football Federation.
Pyongyang did not specify the reason, however The SCTS epidemic in Japan would be the causeAccording to Japanese news agency Kyodo.
The match will be played at a neutral ground at a later date, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Friday.
Return of the block gesture
Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi declined to comment on Pyongyang’s surprise move on Friday, but stressed that Japan is not the only country affected by the SCTS.
Since the end of the Kovid-19 pandemic, “The number of patients with respiratory tract infections has increased in various countries, including Japan,” Mr. Hayashi said during his regular press briefing.
There have also been waves of aggressive group A streptococcal infections Experienced in Europe in 2022-2023Also in North America and Australia.
GAS is transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact (nasal secretions, skin lesions).
Japan’s health minister called the population in January Continue to use blocking gesturesSuch as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask in busy public places.
