An extremely rare version of the mild and common bacterial infection that happens to be usual has claimed several lives in the United States and parts of Europe in the past few weeks.
The concern associated with the diseases has prompted alarm among parents and vulnerable adults based on what comes from the public health authorities who are closely monitoring the entire development associated with this case.
The disease is linked with the Group A streptococcus bacteria also known as Strep A has gone on to claim two innocent lives of children a case that was reported by the Colorado Department of Health.
While, in Britain, a total of 74 people, including 16 children, have also died of the invasive infection this season, the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said in its health bulletin.
Based on the inputs coming in from medical officials and experts, Strep A is highly contagious and commonly carried by people in the nose, throat, and skin without resulting in serious illness.
However, it is pertinent to mention here that most of the cases are not life-threatening, but can develop into infections that are known as invasive Group A strep (iGAS), which can be fatal, with the highest degree of risk among children and old age people.
Addressing the concern associated with the matter the World Health Organization said, that France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Sweden have also observed increases in invasive group A streptococcus disease, as well as scarlet fever, including an unspecified number of deaths in France and Ireland. In fact most of those affected fall under the age of 10.
While the WHO, besides flagging the concern associated with the bacteria said that risk to the general population is low for the time being, describing the rising case counts as “moderate,” and noting that neither antibiotic resistance nor new variants have been observed. However, the agency said, “the risk will be continuously assessed based on available and shared information.”
But, above all, and waiting for all the concerned guidelines to be shared there is an extremely essential need for each one of us to pay attention and take care of ourselves and our loved ones from this health menace that can turn on to become deadly.
Dedicating this segment associated with informing about the infection from symptoms and what you need to do on a personal level.
What are Strep A and the invasive infection it can cause?
Strep A refers to the Group A streptococcus bacteria. Cases are often mild, but serious infections can come from the invasive Group A strep, known as iGAS, according to the Health Security Agency of the UK.
Although iGAS is rare it can be life-threatening and occurs when bacteria go deep inside the body which goes on to infect the lungs and muscles, and affects the blood flow by hitting the bloodstream.
What are the symptoms of Strep A?
Among the major symptoms involved with Strep A includes flu and mainly include “strep throat”, over that the symptom also includes mild infection which can be extremely painful. It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to the bacteria to become ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Other symptoms may include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck, nausea, and skin infections such as pus-filled blisters or inflammation, according to Britain’s National Health Service.
How is Strep A transmitted?
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Streptococcal bacteria spread through coughing, kissing, sneezing, and touching, from someone with an infection or a carrier, according to the NHS. Outbreaks are more frequent in facilities like schools and care homes where close contact is common, it said. Occasionally, the bacteria can also enter the body through food contaminated with it.
Invasive streptococcal infections are more likely to be picked up by people with existing health conditions “that reduce immunity to infection,” including cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, and those who take certain medications such as steroids, the NHS says.
Why do bacteria badly impact Children?
“Rates of iGAS are highest at extremes of age — in children and the elderly,” Michael Marks, an associate professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, while talking to the media said, “This is not fully understood but may reflect immunity.”
The experts associated with the matter say that children are also likely to be more exposed to Strep A at schools and other public places. The coronavirus pandemic might be a factor in the uptick in cases.
While the WHO in its address associated with the cases said this month that the increase in iGAS cases among children could also be “associated with the recently increased circulation of respiratory viruses, including seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, as coinfection may increase the risk of iGAS disease.”
Is there a Strep A vaccine?
At present, there is no Strep A vaccine available. Most cases are treated with a course of antibiotics. Rapid tests and throat cultures which involve swabbing are generally preferred over anything else to diagnose Strep A as per the CDC.
While the antibiotics course decreases the symptoms and prevents the bacteria from spreading to other people. The health agency has also said that by this they ensure that those infected start feeling better.
The UK-based National Health Service says that Streptococcal infections can also sometimes be diagnosed by a blood or urine test, and invasive forms may need intravenous antibiotics,
How can you or your child avoid getting Strep A?
Parents should look out for the symptoms above in their children and contact a health professional for advice if their child is very sick, not eating, dehydrated, or has had a dry diaper for over 12 hours.
“As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgment,” The government advised while detailing the matter.
Among general yet essential preventive measures to prevent the bacteria from contracting, the NHS suggests “good hand washing,” especially after coughing and sneezing, before preparing foods, and before eating. Cuts and other wounds should also be kept clean and watched for signs of infection.
Among other essential measures that the US-based CDC extends says that everyone must teach their child how to wash their hands with soap accompanied with warm water for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes are also essential to check the spread of infection. Properly putting used tissue in the trash and the usage of alcohol-based hand sanitizer needs to be promoted.
While the concerned health officials have also highlighted that in most of the cases despite falling in whichever age group is “treatable” if it is detected at an early stage, the severity can as well be mitigated.