Six children have died in the United Kingdom as a result of invasive infections by streptococcus A, a bacterium in particular at the origin of scarlet fever, a benign disease whose cases are increasing in this country, health authorities announced Friday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged parents to be vigilant, after five deaths in children under 10 years of age were recorded within seven days of being diagnosed with invasive group A streptococcal infection this week. season in England. A sixth death has been recorded in Wales.
An increase in such infections
In the last season of strep A infections (2017-2018), there were four deaths in children under 10 years of age in England.
Health authorities are seeing an increase in these types of invasive infections compared to the seasons that preceded the Covid-19 pandemic.
Streptococci A can cause mild or fatal infections, especially when they get into the bloodstream, diseases such as tonsillitis, impetigo (skin infection), and scarlet fever.
“There is no evidence” of a new bacterial strain
Health authorities are also investigating following reports of severe respiratory infections caused by the bacteria. However, “there are no indications that there is a new strain in circulation,” explains the British agency, which estimates that the probable cause of the increase in the number of infections lies in the increase in bacterial circulation and contacts.
Scarlet fever, a generally mild but highly contagious disease, saw strong growth, with 851 cases reported in the week of November 14-20, compared to an average of 186 in the same period in previous years.
Strep A “generally causes a mild infection, sore throat or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics,” Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director of the health security agency, said in a statement.
“Under rare circumstances, this bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses called invasive strep A infections,” which remain “rare,” he added, urging parents to watch for symptoms and seek advice as soon as possible. possible, so that your children can be treated quickly, before the infection becomes serious.
Source: BFM TV
