According to the Agency, in some cases an infection, mild or even more severe, can be caused.
The EODY issued instructions and useful information to citizens about group A streptococcus, on the sidelines of the outbreak of the pathogenic bacterium in Britain, which resulted in the death of young children.
According to the Agency, in some cases an infection, mild or even more severe, can be caused.
As specifically mentioned by EODY, group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacterium.
Many of us carry the bacteria on our throats and skin without showing any symptoms of infection (carriers of the pathogen).
However, this particular pathogen can in some cases cause an infection, mild or even more severe.
Serious infections associated with GAS are caused by group A invasive streptococci (iGAS).
These infections are caused when bacteria are carried to parts of the body where they are not normally detected, such as the lungs or elsewhere through the bloodstream.
Although iGAS infections are still uncommon, recent weeks in the UK have seen an increase in cases beyond the levels expected, based on records before the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase is mainly in children aged under 10 and unfortunately , a small number of deaths were recorded.
Below is the basic information regarding the pathogen and its transmission, as well as precautionary measures for the population.
How is group A strep spread?
Group A streptococcus is spread through close contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing or from a wound. Some people can carry the bacteria without feeling sick or showing symptoms of an infection and still be able to spread it. The risk of spreading is much greater when a person has symptoms.
What infections does group A strep cause?
Group A streptococcus causes infections of the skin, soft tissues, and respiratory tract. It is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever and infectious wax among others.
These infections are rarely serious and symptoms subside with medication
What is group A strep infection?
The most serious infections associated with group A strep are from invasive group A strep, (iGAS). This can happen when a person has open wounds that allow bacteria to enter the tissue, from damage to the respiratory tract after viral illnesses, or in a person who has a reduced immunity to an infection due to an underlying disease or medication.
What’s up with the rise in cases in children in the UK?
Investigations are being carried out following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract infections from group A strep in children in recent weeks, which have caused serious illness. Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain of the bacterium is circulating. The increase is likely related to high circulation of the bacterium in the community. It is not yet clear why higher than usual rates of these infections are observed. There is a possible combination of factors, including increased crowding compared to previous years, as well as an increase in respiratory infections.
What should parents watch out for?
Strep infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches. If your child becomes unwell, you should contact your doctor.
Contact your doctor if:
The child’s symptoms are not improving
Your child is eating less than normal
Your child is showing signs of dehydration
Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38℃ or older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39℃ or higher
Your child seems very tired or irritable
How can we stop the spread of infections?
Good hand hygiene and adherence to personal protective measures are important to stop the spread of the pathogen. By teaching your child how to properly wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use a tissue for coughs and sneezes, and stay away from others when they feel unwell, you reduce the risk of transmission and infection.
EODY monitors the data of the United Kingdom and is alert for the early detection of similar incidents in our country.
Alert in Britain
The number of children who have died from an aggressive group A strep infection in the UK in recent weeks has risen to nine.
These are children between the ages of four and 12, with most incidents involving schools in England.
The ninth death was confirmed this morning, a five-year-old girl in a hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Concerns began to be raised after an outbreak of scarlet fever in schools across the country. Scarlet fever is one of the mild diseases caused by Streptococcus A, but it is treated with antibiotics.
In a few cases, such as those of the nine children who died, the bacterium penetrates the blood vessels and causes a very serious infection.
The UK Health Protection Agency has updated its guidance to doctors and allows the rare prophylactic administration of antibiotics medicines to school students, where cases of scarlet fever are recorded.
The decision, however, is made by local health services on a case-by-case basis.
Professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, Adam Flynn, told BBC radio that while it is not entirely clear why this outbreak of Strep A is happening now, the most likely scenario is that there was limited transmission of the bacteria earlier in the year and limited contact between children in the previous period due to a pandemic, as a result of which their immune system is more vulnerable.
He added that children also become more vulnerable because of the other viruses that are circulating during this time, such as the flu.
The issue of preventive antibiotic administration in schools was discussed on Monday in the House of Lords. As mentioned, the Health Protection Agency is closely monitoring developments and will adapt its instructions as needed.
At the same time, parents are asked to be more attentive to the symptoms of streptococcus infection, i.e. sore throat, fever, rashes.
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a vast amount of experience in covering health news. I am also an author at News Bulletin 247. I am highly experienced and knowledgeable in this field. I am a hard worker and always deliver quality work. I am a reliable source of information and always provide accurate information.
