Picture: Let me tell you about the “man-eating mushroom”

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is mainly caused by infection with Group A streptococci, which is called Streptococcus pyogenes. It is a bacterium that lives in the throat and skin, but when it enters normally sterile parts of the body (such as blood, muscle or cerebrospinal fluid), it may cause fatal invasive Group A streptococcal diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis (often called “flesh-eating bacteria infection”), streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and meningitis.

Symptoms

• Group A Streptococcus infection usually causes mild discomfort such as sore throat, fever and rash. Severe symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome include low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing and even organ failure.

•Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by more than one type of bacterial infection, with Group A Streptococcus considered the most common. The infected skin may become hot and red and swollen, and the affected area may develop ulcers, blisters, or black spots, which may cause tissue necrosis, giving it the appearance of being “eaten” by the wound, hence the name.

way for spreading

•It can be transmitted through droplets, contact with skin sores of patients, or touching contaminated environments or objects.

Incubation period

•1-5 days.

Risk groups

• Elderly people and young children, people with chronic diseases or people with weakened immune systems. Once the initial symptoms of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome appear, the patient may develop low blood pressure within 24 to 48 hours.

Protection

• Maintain good personal hygiene, keep your hands clean, treat wounds properly, wear a mask, etc. If you have symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. There is currently no vaccine against Group A Streptococcus, but regular vaccination against influenza, COVID-19 and varicella can reduce the risk.

Source: Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection