Nine dead in the UK and three in France. Within a few weeks, the number of Streptococcus A infections rose in unusual ways in France and among our British neighbours. Streptococcus A, a category of bacteria that causes scarlet fever in particular, can cause mostly mild infections. In children or people at risk, however, they can be fatal.
Given these spikes in cases, the health authorities are concerned, and ask health professionals to be vigilant.
• What is the situation in France and the UK?
Concern has begun to spread across the English Channel, where at least nine children have died in a few weeks from invasive strep A infections. British authorities have called for vigilance. By comparison, during the last season of strep A infections, between 2017 and 2018, there were four deaths in children under 10 years of age in England.
In France, cases are also beginning to multiply. In a message addressed to health professionals, this Tuesday, the General Directorate of Health (DGS) reports a “greater than usual number” of cases, in different regions (Occitania, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, New Aquitaine) , in the last fortnight. .
At the moment, “at least 8 children without identified risk factors” are hospitalized in intensive care, of which “two died.” Three cases have been detected in adults, and one of those affected has died.
• What do the health authorities say?
However, the situation is probably not limited to just these proven cases. In fact, the DGS reports a “resurgence of severe forms and deaths (laryngitis/pleuropneumopathy, sudden unexplained cardiorespiratory arrests suggestive of toxic streptococcal shock) after streptococcal A infection in several children, over a few weeks.”
According to the health authorities, the recent serious cases “do not have any link between them” and appear to be caused by “different strains”.
The DGS, which specifies that there are “investigations” underway, meanwhile calls on caregivers to “be vigilant”. For this reason, health professionals are encouraged to carry out diagnostic tests in case of angina and scarlet fever and to remind their patients “of the importance of barrier measures in this winter season”. All cases of severe strep A infection must also be reported to the ARS (Regional Health Agencies).
• What are the symptoms that should alert?
Streptococci A can cause mild or fatal infections, especially when they get into the bloodstream. They are the cause of diseases such as angina, impetigo (skin infection) and scarlet fever. As pointed out by the Institut Pasteurstrep A infections “are common,” as are strep B infections. These two bacteria only cause symptoms “under certain conditions,” or “in people at risk.”
Group A strep is transmitted exclusively “from man to man” by droplets (sneezing, coughing). In case of “invasive” or severe infections, strep A may be responsible for necrotizing skin infections, pleuropneumopathies, demeningitis which may be associated with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
“Symptoms of a non-invasive group A strep infection include: fever, sore throat, and minor skin infections such as rashes, ulcers, bumps, and blisters,” he details. public health agency Canadian.
• Can the shortage of amoxicillin have consequences?
This multiplication of cases of streptococcal A infections occurs in a tense context: the shortage of the main antibiotic used in children, amoxicillin. Several organizations of doctors – infectologists and pediatricians – have already warned that this shortage could cause a serious public health crisis in children.
However, unlike childhood diseases of viral origin such as bronchiolitis, currently in full epidemic, streptococcus A infections can be treated with antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or penicillin.
The DGS plans, in this context, “to specify the recommendations for the management of cases and contact persons, in particular in the current context of tensions over amoxicillin.”
Source: BFM TV
