PUTRAJAYA: The health ministry will seek further information from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding a fatal bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which is on the rise in Japan.
On Tuesday, the Straits Times reported that Japan had seen STSS cases surpass 1,000 in 2024, according to data from the country’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID).
As of June 9, the preliminary number of cases in Japan since the beginning of this year reached 1,019, data from the NIID showed, marking a significant increase in the spread of the infection compared to previous years.
Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that so far, no information about STSS had been relayed by any party to the ministry’s crisis preparedness and response centre or infection division.
“Honestly speaking, we have yet to obtain any information or developments (on STSS). It is crucial that we seek input from WHO.
“Once we have the update, we will take the necessary steps,” he told a press conference here.
Dzulkefly was asked to comment on preventive measures to contain STSS, which could be brought to Malaysia by tourists.
The media reported that STSS develops when the bacteria gains access to deep tissues and the bloodstream, which could be life-threatening. Symptoms come in the form of fever, muscle pain, and vomiting.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedly said that experts have yet to ascertain how the bacteria enters the body in nearly half of the people who contract STSS. - FMT
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.