Expert eases concerns over ‘flesh-eating infection’ after one Hongkonger died in Japan

Wearing a mask for the entire overseas trip due to concerns of being infected with Group A Streptococcal infection won’t be necessary, health expert Ho Pak-leung said, after a case reported in Osaka, Japan saw a Hongkonger die. 

The Hongkonger’s case came while Japan has been battling a wave of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) led by Group A Streptococcal infections since late March. 

Ho, director of University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Infection, said Group A Streptococcal infections break out once every five to 10 years and noted that Hong Kong had reported a large number of cases between 2011 and 2017. 

Ho acknowledged that Japan has been reporting an increase in the number of STSS cases since the fourth quarter of last year and have had 335 cases in the first 11 weeks of this year. 

Although the figure has dropped in March, it remains at a high level and the peak has yet to pass, he added, believing that the wave of infections has something to do with the easing of Covid measures. 

Ho pointed out that the risk of being infected with Group A Streptococcal is not high when traveling overseas. 

He also reminded citizens to take care of any wounds on their bodies immediately and to seek medical attention if necessary to prevent developing any serious complications afterwards. 

Hongkongers should wear a mask in crowded places, he added, but noted that it is unnecessary to keep a mask on for the entire overseas trip. 

Responding to media enquiries, the Department of Health said on Wednesday that the Hongkonger who died in Japan had been diagnosed with Group A Streptococcal infection, which further led to a complication called necrotising fasciitis. 

The complication is commonly known as “flesh-eating infection” and the department said it will contact the deceased’s family to learn more about the patient’s medical history or exposure to any viruses or diseases.