W.In the UK, 15 children infected with Strep A, starting with a common bacterial infection, have died.
Health authorities should dire warning For parents in the UK, as the number of child deaths from the infection continues to rise. The latest victim, a 5-year-old girl from Ireland, became seriously ill last week before dying of streptococcal-related complications on Monday.
Pediatric patients usually experience mild symptoms such as fever and swollen tonsils and lymph nodes, but complications occur when the infection enters the bloodstream, known as invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS). It can lead to fatal illness.
In the United States, iGAS cases declined during the pandemic, but the CDC said: Independent On Wednesday, U.S. doctors announced they had notified officials of a possible recent increase. This is now being actively monitored.
Dr. Mark Hiker is an expert in pediatric infectious diseases and associate professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in New York. University of Buffalo, Said Independent It is difficult to say whether an epidemic similar to the recent UK epidemic could occur in the United States.
Before the 2019 pandemic, 7 children under the age of 17 died from Strep A complications per 100,000 people in monitored areas, according to CDC data.
In 2020, when the most recent report was published, 1 death was reported per 100,000 population in the monitored area.
CDC only tracks iGA infections and not non-invasive Strep A infections. In his most recent report, he reported iGAS data for only 10 states.
“The mitigation measures used during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic (such as school and workplace closures and masking) helped reduce the spread of many viruses and bacteria,” the spokesperson said. increase.
“Now that these bacteria are spreading again, we may be returning to the typical pattern of infection for iGAS, including a seasonal increase in the winter months.
What is Streptococcal Infection?
Group A streptococci are common bacterial infections, found mainly in children.
In the most serious and rare cases, the infection is associated with a pink-red rash (scarlet fever), bacterial infection of the skin (impetigo), tissue necrosis (fasciitis), streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, pneumonia, sepsis, etc. cause illness.
However, the majority of group A streptococcal infections present with mild flu-like symptoms.
“There are many strains of Group A Streptococcus, and there have been isolated outbreaks in the UK in the past (2015 and 2018),” Dr Hicar said. As it appeared to have no impact on the number of cases in the US, as it had increased previously, [whether there will be one now] Hard to say. ”
Dr. Hicar says that certain strains of infection can cause “sandpaper rashes.” This commonly aggravates the disease in children and is known as “scarlet fever”.
“Usually this happens when: [throat infections or] A case of pharyngitis, but you can [happen with] Infection with impetigo. This appears to be the form currently being reported in the UK,” he said.
He added that immunocompromised children are at greater risk when infected with Strep A.
“Certain children with poor spleen function or other forms of immunosuppression are at increased risk of sepsis, toxic shock, and necrotizing fasciitis (a ‘meat-eating’ group A streptococcal infection).
The mother of 2-year-old Tiden, who was diagnosed with aplastic anemia earlier this year, was warned by doctors that her daughter’s transplant could be delayed after her toddler contracted Streptococcus A last week.
“She was noisy and tired the day before she had a fever,” said Heather, who lives in Utah. Independent.
Tayden’s symptoms resolved within 48 hours of being given antibiotics. She is expected to recover for her transplant.
A sore throat is one of the main signs of Strep A infection.
Could there be a spike in infections after the pandemic?
A CDC spokesperson said Independent More data needs to be collected to better understand recent Strep A trends in the US.
“The recent increase in respiratory viruses, particularly influenza, may have contributed to the likely increase in iGAS infections. It may increase the risk of iGAS infection,” the spokesperson said.
Hicar added that mask use does not appear to reduce transmission.
“Masks are useful against respiratory viruses such as influenza and Covid, but also other organisms that may persist on surfaces. [such as Strep A] The impact of mask use tends to be less significant,” he said.[US] The data available from 2020, the first year of the pandemic, appear to be stable for invasive group A streptococcal infections and mortality. ”
The CDC estimates that there have been 14,000 to 25,000 iGAS cases over the past five years, with 1,500 to 2,300 deaths during the same period.
What symptoms should parents watch out for?
According to the CDC, most children infected with Strep A experience pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white spots or streaks of pus), and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. To do.
Dr. Hiker speaks Independent The sore throat and fever subside in a few days. He advised his parents to contact their doctor again if symptoms persisted.
“If your child is diagnosed with [Strep A] If you seem to be recovering but then get worse, see your doctor,” he said. “One of these rare, more serious complications may be starting.” .”
He said most cases are not dangerous for children, but complications can be fatal if the infection reaches the bloodstream (bacteremia), lungs (pneumonia), or brain (meningitis). I repeated something.
New strains of group A streptococci are more likely to cause severe internal infections
How are children infected?
Congested environments such as schools and day care centers increase the risk of Strep A infection.
According to the CDC, the bacteria are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets by talking, coughing, sneezing, or by direct contact when a patient has a cut on their skin. It can spread over time.
In very rare cases, it can also spread from food if not handled properly.
“As social animals, we are constantly attacked by bacteria and viruses, but most of the time our immune systems defend us,” says Dr. Hiker. Independent.
“… the more exposed [a person] If you have one, you are more likely to get infected. However, there are many benefits to interacting and socializing with peers. ”
What should I do if I suspect my child has Strep A?
A Strep A infection can be diagnosed with a quick strep swab test.
Doctors also administer throat cultures to patients. This method takes him a day or two, but is more effective than a quick test.
What is the treatment for Streptococcus A?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A infection.
Antibiotics relieve symptoms and prevent complications and are the most commonly used treatment. Once the antibiotics are prescribed, the patient should start feeling better within her 48 hours.
