According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, a record high 302 people have fallen ill so far this year with fulminant hemolytic streptococcus, a bacterial infection that causes severe pain in the extremities and necrosis. Thirty-one of those cases have been reported in Kyushu. The disease progresses quickly, and in severe cases, can lead to death by multiple organ failure. Because it can cause necrosis, it is sometimes called flesh-eating bacteria. The most common strain of of the bacteria, Group A streptococcus, is typically localized in the throat, causing streptococcal pharyngitis, or strep throat, but in very rare cases the bacteria can enter the bloodstream via open cuts, yielding the more severe fulminant infection. Doctors do not know exactly what causes the fulminant type of infection, but it can be treated with antibacterial medicine. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 9/24
