Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS): All You Need to Know

    [Leaders Times] Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS)     ∨ Invasive infection by Group A strep bacteria can cause STSS when they spread into the body. 
    ∨ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mortality rate for STSS is around 30~70%. 
   ∨ Recommend medical care to high-risk groups (adults 65 years old or older, diabetic patients, etc.) if they have possible symptoms, such as fever, rash, hypotension, etc. 
    ∨ Infection prevention (washing hands and cough etiquette) is essential.

ㆍ High-risk groups:
   - Adults 65 years old or older 
   - Diabetic patient 
   - Case that injury caused by recent surgery 
   - Viral infection, which can occur in exposed wounds (Varicella)

- Alcoholism 

ㆍPossible symptoms:
   - High fever and Rash
   - Hypotension (Low blood pressure) 
   - Tachypnea (Rapid breathing) and Dyspnea (Shortness of breath) 
   - Muscle aches
   - Surgical site infections 
   - Edema

  Symptoms, route of infections, and treatments
ㆍSign and symptoms:
   - Early signs and symptoms: mild symptoms, such as sore throat, like influenza (flu) in the early
   - STSS can develop into high fever, rash, Hypotension, Dyspnea, Necrotizing fasciitis, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

· Route of infection:
   - Infection through mucous membrane and the part of wound 
   - Coughs and sneezes (respiratory droplets) spread viral infection.

· Treatment and vaccine:
   - There are no vaccines for STSS
   - Quick treatment at a medical facility is necessary when possible symptoms* come out
    * High fever, Rash, Hypotension, Muscle aches, Surgical site infections, Edema, etc.

Prevent STSS
· Practice cough etiquette
· Wash hands often 
· Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
· Clean and cover wounds with a clean bandage
· See a doctor when possible symptoms occur
* (Suspicious symptoms) High fever, Rash, Hypotension, Muscle aches, Surgical site infections, Edema, etc.
· Recommendation of vaccination for Varicella and Influenza
*  Risk infections of Group A strep bacteria can increase because of infection of Varicella and Influenza

※ Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is not defined as a legal infectious disease in Korea, but a medical facility operates sentinel surveillance through △ Epidemiological surveillance for patients with scarlet fever and △ Monitors acute respiratory infections (AirNet)!