Japan’s STSS Bacteria Risks, What We Know?

Should you be worried to travel to Japan?
Over the last few months, many viewers have been asking me about this issue, STSS is a flesh eating bacterium that has been around for a long time but it’s increased a great deal the last year. I’ll break down the coverage and what we know now. #stss #japan

[shannondore]

I just read about this recently. If it's not one thing, it's another.
You're not weird in wiping down a hotel rooms (especially the bathroom) when traveling. Since the pandemic, I wipe down everything. I even do it at work on items that everyone touches. Germs can spread so fast. You can't trust that other people wash their hands.

[sherimoralesrowe]

One of my daughters was just telling me about this bacteria a few weeks ago. I am planning to visit Japan in the spring and she just wanted to let me know what was going on so I’m glad you’re talking about this. I actually was waiting for you to talk about this.

[Ong.s_Jukebox]

Thanks for the info, John. Stay safe, you and your family.

[JamesAlexanderJack]

There's nothing new about STSS, nor is it unique to Japan.
Practice common sense. Disinfect your wounds and seek medical help if you display symptoms. STSS can be killed with antibiotics, but time is of the essence.

[stelioshz]

Hi John! It's nice that you decided to talk about it, so that more people know. I read about it before a few weeks for the first time. It's not something that only exists in Japan, here, in Greece, I see that there are a few sites talking about it, and informing people on how to protect theirselves from it. In 2023 we had 89 cases, and in 2024 there seems to be a rise on the numbers, but I haven't found any specific numbers. People should just be careful wherever they go, and try to be hygienic. Have a nice day John!

[arceus]

I had never heard of this until this video haha. thanks for the info John. good idea to not touch anything on the train, I'm guilty of always leaning against the door

[colinmathie]

Im glad you tell folk about these things John, but is it not just fear mongering from the media?

[Jowurel]

I went to Japan last month and I was impressed by the amount of japanese people that don’t wash their hands with soap after using public restroom. Just a bit of water and on their way. Considering trains is how everyone goes from A to B, I was increasingly hesitant to touch handrails and such.

[markalexander]

Generally unless you have a compromised immune system (typically from chemotherapy, AIDS, diabetes or obesity) you are VERY unlikely to get this. It's also NOT CONTAGIOUS. You'd have to have a compromised immune system combined with an open wound on your body that then came into contact with the open wound of an infected person.

[tsodergrenbaar]

Thanks for the video. It is scary traveling sometimes and people naturally get worried when they read the headlines. I am planning on travel to Japan next summer and I am keeping an eye out of whats going on.

[leukocyte]

I just got back from Tokyo few days ago. Thank God, i didnt experience any sickness while I'm there.I went to Tokyo on the 14th June and the news did got me concerned. Perhaps the media is probably blowing it out of proportion or our perception of how serious it is largely influenced by the word [deadly, rare, and flesh eating] accompanied with it.

But of course still exercise caution but don't let it hinder too much of your enjoyment during your trip there.

[MrHitotsumusha]

As you said this is nothing new. Back in Hawaii about 10 years, this was shared by the media. When you get a cut or open wound, treat it right away no longer how small. Wash it, put ointment and cover it. Do proper wound care.

[muhammadfirdaus]

Been waiting for u to talk about this because im going to Japan in Nov this year. I think there’s no need to be overly cautious. Just practice personal hygiene and everything will be just fine.

[ALTAJR-]

ummmm, there are STSS cases here at home in the US so far this year. Most cases are in the Gulf Coast and rising cases in the East Coast. Warm brackish water, even in very warm ocean water are areas where you 'might' catch it.

[americankid]

My main concern is if it is one of those infections that can be airborne. If it requires a wound to really get into you then I’ll probably not care.

[jamesstephenson]

Necrotizing fasciitis is no joke it took me years to recover from only to end up with c-diff due to the antibiotics I was taking.. both tried to take me out

[tracybrandisgray]

Thanks for the Info John, had recently read an article about this. Glad for the update taking a group of students this week looking forward

[nelsontan]

there are cases in other countries but it is not alarming

[mizuki_]

I think it’s going up recently because of the warmer waters so the risk is higher than it used to be 20 years ago

[greenmoss]

Great job John 👍 W e need to remeber to always practice good hygiene especially for traveling and using our common sense