Strep-A death toll mounts to six, parents asked to look out for symptoms
Given the possibility of developing a severe form of invasive Group-A-Strep infection, parents have been advised to monitor their children closely for any sign of the infection.
By ET Spotlight Special |
Agencies
With Health officials confirming the death of six children due to Strep-A Infection on Friday, they are urging parents across the UK to be vigilant about symptoms like sore throat and scarlet fever in their children. The advisory comes after the death of six children with i -GAS(Group A Strep) infection.
It usually starts with a high fever, very sore throat, and red tongue, which has this sort of, eventually developing a rash that feels a little bit like sandpaper, she said. The rash usually stays for about ten days.
Figures indicate that the scarlet fever cases this year shot up three times compared to the pre-pandemic year. With children being particularly vulnerable, Prof Kampmann advised close monitoring of the harmless symptoms. For example, parents must observe whether the child is eating normally or they have suddenly become lethargic, which could be a sign of an infection.
The Streptococcus Pyogenes bacterium is the source of Group-A Streptococcal infections. Most infections begin with mild illnesses like strep throat or skin rashes. However, the bacteria, which can spread quickly through sneezing/skin contact, live active on the hands and the throat for a long time.
Can Strep-A Infection cause death?
On rare occasions, the bacteria (called invasive GAS) can invade the lungs and bloodstream and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
The side-effects of Covid-19 can have disabling effects on patients who have recovered from the infection. From excessive hairfall to fatigue , the long-lasting effects of Covid can hinder day-to-day abilities.
A specialist speaks
A paediatric infectious diseases specialist, Prof Kampmann, said that Strep A causes an asymptomatic infection in the majority of people, followed by a mild sore throat and scarlet fever. However, in a small minority, invasive Group A Strep can happen.It usually starts with a high fever, very sore throat, and red tongue, which has this sort of, eventually developing a rash that feels a little bit like sandpaper, she said. The rash usually stays for about ten days.
Figures indicate that the scarlet fever cases this year shot up three times compared to the pre-pandemic year. With children being particularly vulnerable, Prof Kampmann advised close monitoring of the harmless symptoms. For example, parents must observe whether the child is eating normally or they have suddenly become lethargic, which could be a sign of an infection.
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FAQs
What is Strep-A infection?The Streptococcus Pyogenes bacterium is the source of Group-A Streptococcal infections. Most infections begin with mild illnesses like strep throat or skin rashes. However, the bacteria, which can spread quickly through sneezing/skin contact, live active on the hands and the throat for a long time.
Can Strep-A Infection cause death?
On rare occasions, the bacteria (called invasive GAS) can invade the lungs and bloodstream and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
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