Streptococcus A, the bacterium that causes most mild infections in humans, has just claimed a new victim in the UK. A child in south-east England recently died of an infection caused by the bacteria, reveals the independentincreasing the number of victims under the age of 13 to 8 in the space of a few weeks across the Channel.
“Tragically, we learned of the death of a child attending our school who was diagnosed with a strep A infection. We are absolutely devastated by the death of this young student and extend our deepest condolences to his family,” he said. Alison Sired. -Paul, director of the establishment where the young victim was educated, in Waterlooville, in the south-east of England.
It is this region of the country that is currently the most affected by the resurgence of streptococcal A infections. A total of 85 cases have been reported. In England, cases of strep A infections are four times higher this year compared to previous years.
Call for parental vigilance
These bacteria cause mild infections in most cases, including angina. But when they reach the bloodstream, they can be deadly. The South East England branch of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminded parents of the right actions to take and in particular the importance of impeccable hygiene.
“It is important that parents are alert to symptoms and see a doctor as soon as possible so that their child can be treated and we prevent the disease from escalating,” added Trish Mannes, the agency’s regional director.
A 12-year-old boy died in south London on Friday. In the British capital the issue is taken seriously. The offices of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have indicated that the NHS, the universal healthcare system across the Channel, is ready to deal with a surge in cases.
Death of a girl in the Landes
In France, a three-year-old girl died in the Landes on November 28 from strep A-related strep throat.
“In 99% of cases, there is no difficulty with angina. However, in some cases, the disease can degenerate and affect vital functions. This was the case,” said Didier Couteaud, deputy director of Landes, in France Bleu. $
On its site, the Institut Pasteur recalls that streptococcal infections A and B “are frequent”, but only cause symptoms in “certain conditions”. Its transmission occurs through the inhalation of droplets of secretions from the throat and nose of sick people.
The resurgence of cases seen in the UK has yet to be explained by the scientific community and no new strain of the bacteria has been detected. The lack of immunological confrontation with bacteria during the confinements caused by the Covid-19 pandemic could be a possible explanation.
Source: BFM TV
