What's the Real Deal with Streptococcus pyogenes in Japan?
Context Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as the flesh-eating bacterium, has been making headlines in Japan. The media has reported a surge in cases, with victims dying within 48 hours of infection. However, these reports seem to contradict the information found on Wikipedia, which states that there are 700 million cases worldwide each year with a mortality rate of only 0.1%. Simple Answer Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacteria that can cause a range of infections, from mild skin infections to life-threatening conditions like flesh-eating disease. In Japan, there has been a recent increase in cases of flesh-eating disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The exact reason for this increase is unknown, but it may be due to a more virulent strain of the bacteria or other factors. The mortality rate for flesh-eating disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes is high, but it can be treated with antibiotics if caught early. It's important to be aware of the symptoms of flesh-eating disease...