Japan has attempted to ease global fears over the terrifying outbreak of a "flesh-eating" disease that has seen cases spiral in recent days.

Cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) have continued to grow at a high rate - but officials have doubled down on fears over the numbers.

According to insiders, simple steps including hand washing, wearing a face mask and keeping wounds clean have helped prevent the infection from spreading.

Panic over the STSS outbreak grew last month after the "dangerous infectious disease" began spreading at a record pace.

Such was the worry from other nations, the likes of North Korea opted to cancel its Asian qualifiers against Japan for the 2026 World Cup.

Scheduled to be helped in North Korea's capital of Pyongyang, officials said the matches would not go ahead due to "epidemic prevention for the contagious disease spreading in Japan."

However, in a move to reassure potential visitors, a ministry official pointed out that Europe too has been struck by similar outbreaks - including back in 2022.

Back then, the health body recommended limiting travel to Europe that year as a result of STSS cases rising.

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