The number of children who have died from strep A in Britain now stands at 15

The number of children who died of type A strep in the UK from September to date it has risen to 15. This was announced a while ago by the country’s Health Protection Agency (HSA), clarifying that 13 children died in England one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland.

Streptococcus A’ is an infection that usually has mild complications in the human body and is treated with antibiotics given for 24 hours. As the doctors point out, its valid diagnosis is very important for the patient’s health. It is transmitted relatively easily when someone comes into close contact with the sick person, with the droplets of their cough or sneeze.

In some cases, usually few, Streptococcus A’ causes serious illness as the bacterium enters the blood vessels and causes a serious infection that can lead to death.

The most common disease caused by Streptococcus A’ is scarlet fever, which has flu-like symptoms. Among them, within 12 to 48 hours a rash appears that starts on the chest and stomach and then spreads. Small bumps also appear on the tongue, which becomes redder than usual and is therefore called “strawberry tongue”.

As of last week, there were 901 cases of scarlet fever in the UK. A number that is already ten times higher than the same period in 2021. That is why the health authorities speak of an outbreak of the virus and thus have sounded the alarm calling on parents and teachers to be vigilant and monitor children for symptoms such as: difficulty or even pauses in breathing, sore throat and high fever, rashes on the abdomen, tongue or lips, sudden and unexplained weight loss.

Scientists attribute the outbreak of strep mainly to the effects of the quarantine caused by the pandemic. As they point out, the pandemic on the one hand has weakened the immune system of some sensitive organisms and on the other hand has helped spread common viruses such as the flu.

The instructions of EODY

It is noted that the EODY issued instructions and useful information for citizens about group A streptococcus, due to the outbreak of the pathogenic bacterium in Britain and 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.

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