How to Safeguard Against Flesh-eating Bacteria in Japan
Japan continues to face rising cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) caused by “flesh-eating bacteria”. Health experts warned tourists visiting to take safety precautions such as avoiding swimming pools and hot springs, as well as wearing masks and washing your hands regularly.
Are you planning or set to visit Japan soon? In this article, we will cover what this flesh-eating bacteria is, how to prevent it, and how you can stay protected from it and other common illnesses in Japan like dengue fever with international health insurance or short term health insurance.
What is STSS?
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS) is a condition caused mainly by the Streptococcus Hemolyticus bacteria which is aptly named the flesh-eating bacteria due to its ability to cause the infected tissues to be necrotic.
STSS can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, touching the wounds of an infected person, or by being in contact with contaminated equipment. Initial symptoms include fever, rashes, and swelling but fatal symptoms such as low blood pressure and multiple organ failures can develop quickly.
STSS initial symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Fever
- Rash
- Peeling Skin
STSS in Japan
As of June 2, there had been 977 cases of STSS recorded by Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), surpassing the total recorded cases for the entire 2023 which broke the previous record of highest recorded cases.
Earlier this year, the NIID released a risk assessment stating the number of STSS cases has risen since July 2023, especially among those under the age of 50.
How to Safeguard Against STSS
To safeguard against STSS, maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene is vital. For Hongkongers visiting Japan, it is crucial to clean and cover wounds properly with waterproof bandages until the wound closes and avoid swimming pools and hot springs if you have an open wound.
Common illness preventions such as washing your hands using liquid soap with water and regularly cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also lower your chances of catching STSS.
Getting Insurance for STSS
If you are thinking about moving to or traveling to Japan, it is important to secure an insurance policy that works for you. For expats, an international health insurance is recommended as it provides comprehensive coverage where you go. For tourists, a short-term health insurance or a travel insurance will provide you the coverage you will need.
International Health Insurance
International health insurance can be incredibly beneficial to those staying in Japan due to the comprehensive health coverages. The inpatient coverages will allow you to access healthcare services in Japan without having to worry about out-of-pocket payments.
In the unfortunate case that you do contract STSS in Japan, international health insurance policies will provide you with coverage for your medical fees. International plans often come with medical evacuation coverage which will cover your evacuation costs to the nearest medical facility in time of need.
Travel / Short-term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance and travel insurance are plans that may be more suitable for those who are only visiting Japan for a short duration. Travel insurance offers emergency medical coverages whilst short-term health insurance provides more comprehensive health coverage.
Travel insurance also provides trip delay and trip cancellation coverage. These coverage can be particularly beneficial as they reimburse you for the money spent on the trip in the case of your trip being canceled or delayed due to unforeseen incidents and medical emergencies.
If you’re interested in learning more about the two and how they differ, check out our video below.
Conclusion
If you are traveling to Japan, it is important to take extra care of your personal and environmental hygiene. STSS is not the only thing you can catch in Japan. In the fall, Japan also historically sees more cases of influenza, dengue fever, and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
If you are relocating to Japan, securing a comprehensive international health insurance can ensure that you have access to healthcare wherever you go.
For those visiting the country, a short-term health insurance or a travel insurance will be able to give you access to medical access during your stay. Short-term health insurance functions similar to standard health insurances with the only difference being the contract period.
Travel insurance on the other hand provides medical emergency coverage which gives you access to medical facilities in times of emergencies. However, the medical coverage is significantly less comprehensive compared to short-term and international health insurance.
If you are looking to secure your own private health insurance plans, Pacific Prime can help you. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, our insurance experts can help you navigate through complicated processes and present you with a plan that fits you.
Contact us today and get a free obligation-free plan comparison and free quote!
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writingand strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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