The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is a serious condition presenting with symptoms of fever, chills, muscle pains, nausea, and vomiting.

Group A Streptococcus bacteria cause the illness, which spreads into the blood and deep tissues.

The condition commonly affects those over 65, with the following factors increasing the risk:

Cases of highly fatal  STSS have reached record levels in Japan, with more than 1000 cases and 97 deaths reported as of mid-June.

Approximately 30% of those affected are expected to develop serious complications and die.

The cause of the outbreak is unspecified.

However, the Japan Health Ministry has hypothesized that the increase may have resulted from laxer coronavirus controls.

Further epidemiological investigation will help delineate the source and contain the outbreak.

Preventive measures taken include awareness about cough etiquette and hand hygiene.