The number of patients nationwide who contracted streptococcol toxic-shock syndrome (STSS) — a deadly condition popularly known as "flesh-eating disease" — reached 291 by Aug. 23, a record high, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases said Thursday.
The infection, which is fatal in almost one in three cases, destroys tissue and can result in death in a matter of days.
The figures show that cases this year topped last year's 273 patients in less than nine months.