The Next Pandemic? Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome on the Rise.

The emergence of Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS) poses a global health challenge after the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 2024, the number of STSS cases in Japan has risen to 977, surpassing the previous year's total. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) can cause superficial infections as well as more severe conditions, including necrotizing fasciitis and STSS.