Department of Disease Control explains the facts about Increase in flesh-eating bacterial diseases caused by bacterial infections 'Streptococcus type A' in Japan the case now News of the increase in flesh-eating bacterial diseases caused by bacterial infections. 'Streptococcus type A' in Japan The Japanese authorities are investigating the cause of the increase. It is expected that part of this may be the result of relaxing measures to prevent COVID-19. Together with there may be other causes as well. The Department of Disease Control would like to clarify initially that bacteria 'Streptococcus type A' is a pathogen that has been around for a long time and has more than 200 strains, causing many forms of disease symptoms. From mild to moderate symptoms, including infections of the pharynx, tonsils, and respiratory system. or may cause infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue Some of the patients may have severe symptoms. (which is found in a small percentage) includes severe inflammation of the deep la yers of the skin. Or a state of shock that may be severe enough to cause death. One of the symptoms of the disease that is in the surveillance system of Thailand is 'Scarlet fever or Scarlet fever' is a contagious disease that must be monitored according to the Communicable Diseases Act 2015. It can occur at any age but usually affects school-age children. It is transmitted from person to person by being close and breathing in droplets of mucus, mucus, and saliva that contain germs, or by touching germs with the eyes, nose, mouth, or touching through hands. utensils such as plates, bowls, glasses, etc. Symptoms found are sore throat, headache, fever, and may have a rough, raised rash on the body (from germs that create toxins). When touched, it looks like sandpaper. The risk group for the disease will be school-age children aged 5 - 15 years who live together in large numbers, such as students in schools. or child care centers, etc. From disease surveillance data from the Epidemiology Division, Department of Disease Control, from 2019 to 16 March 2024, 4,989 patients were found. No deaths were reported for the year 2019. As of 2024, no reports have been found. In the case of severe symptoms From the medical and health database structure system (43 files) of Thailand from 2019 - 2023, in the case of Toxic Shock Syndrome, it was found that there were 204 patients admitted as inpatients in hospitals, on average per year. 41 cases and tends to decrease during the COVID-19 epidemic. In 2023, 29 cases were found. As for the case of flesh-eating bacteria or gangrene (Necrotizing fasciitis), which may be caused by Many types of bacteria (1 of which is 'Streptococcus type A') According to follow-up in 2019 - 2023, there were a total of 106,021 patients admitted to hospital, including 1,048 deaths from this condition. It is a case fatality rate of approximately 1.0 percent. The trend of reported cases is stable and will decrease in 2023, with a case rate of 27.35 per 100,000 population. (From the original 32.5 percent per 100,000 population) Cases reported throughout the year but highest in June - July of every year. From tracking such information It has not been found that the incidence of this infection has increased. or more severe in Thailand This infection can be treated with antibiotics. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment. Receiving the correct, timely, and appropriate antibiotics will help reduce the severity of the disease. And can help reduce the spread of infection to people around you. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the dead tissue. Risk groups that may have severe symptoms include the elderly and people with diabetes. People who have chronic diseases or who have had skin lesions before. Because the main spread of this infection is through the respiratory system. (This may be combined with contact with secretions or pus from the wound in the case of a skin infection) and this infection can be found at every age. Therefore, measures to prevent the sprea d of COVID-19 can help reduce the spread of this infection as well. Wearing a mask Frequent hand washing maintaining personal hygiene is still necessary Especially in places where many people live together. or when traveling abroad Especially in high-risk groups, the elderly and diabetic patients. People with congenital disease You should be careful: wear a mask, wash your hands often, and do not share utensils such as drinking glasses and spoons with others. and strictly maintain personal hygiene The Department of Disease Control continues to monitor the infectious disease situation. 'Streptococcus type A' in Japan continues Ask people not to panic. Advise people if they have a fever, sore throat, along with a raised rash. or pustules on the skin or severe muscle aches You should immediately see a doctor. (Especially after returning from abroad within the first week) to receive proper diagnosis, treatment, and separation of diseases. traveling abroad It is still necessary to maintain regular personal hygien e. If there are any questions, people can ask for information at Department of Disease Control hotline, tel. 1422 . Source: Thai News Agency