A new victim of this bacteria. At least nine children have died in the UK from invasive infections of Strep A, the bacterium that causes scarlet fever, a mild disease whose cases are increasing in this country, reports The Guardian. The primary school of a girl living in Belfast, Northern Ireland, announced her death on Tuesday.
The eighth death was revealed Tuesday morning. The British Health Security Agency (UKHSA) called on parents to be vigilant, after registering several deaths in a few weeks. In the last season of strep A infections (2017-2018), there were four deaths in children under 10 years of age in England.
On the French side, the health authorities are also warning about the increase in the number of A streptococcal infections. “Several pediatric cases of invasive group A streptococcal infections have been reported” in “higher than usual” numbers in different regions -Occitanie , Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, New-Aquitaine, in the last 15 days,” warned the General Directorate of Health (DGS) on Tuesday in a message to caregivers.
In recent days, two children and one adult have died in hospital from complications of these infections, according to the DGS. But the situation is probably not just about these proven cases.
Angina, scarlet fever and impetigo
Streptococci A can cause mild or fatal infections, especially when they get into the bloodstream. These infections result in conditions such as angina, impetigo (skin infection), and scarlet fever. British 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.
Strep A “generally causes a mild infection, sore throat or scarlet fever, which can be easily treated with antibiotics,” said Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director of the health security agency, in a statement.
“Under rare circumstances, this bacterium can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illnesses, called invasive A-strep infections,” which remain “rare,” he added, urging parents to watch for symptoms and seek advice as soon as possible. , so that your children can be treated quickly, before the infection becomes serious.
According to public health agency of canada“Symptoms of a non-invasive group A strep infection include: fever, sore throat, and minor skin infections such as rashes, ulcers, bumps, and blisters.”
Invasive infections “can cause respiratory problems, destruction of skin and connective tissues, fever, dangerously low blood pressure, vomiting, and diarrhea.”
Source: BFM TV
