Japan is expecting to see a large increase in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has a 30% fatality rate. The surge in cases has medical experts scratching their heads and urging people to wash their hands and thoroughly clean their wounds to curb its spread. In the first two months of 2024, 378 cases have already been recorded, infecting patients in all but two of Japan’s 47 prefectures.