More than seven children have died in the UK after being infected. Understand how to protect your child
The UK has been faced with an unusual wave of Group A Streptococcus infection in the last months. Since September 12, 836 notifications of bacterial infection have been reported to the Local Health Authority – more than double the average rate recorded in the same period of the last five years.
Of those infected, 24% are children 10 years of age and younger (in previous years, this rate has remained at 4% to 12%). Between 12 September and 11 December, 74 deaths from the disease were recorded in different age groups. Seven children aged 1 to 4 died a week after infection, and nine deaths were confirmed in the population aged 5 to 14.
🇧🇷 This could mean that high levels of bacteria are circulating among children. Physicians have already been alerted to the increase in childhood group A strep infection and interim clinical guidelines have been issued to optimize diagnosis and treatment during the current period,” the agency said in its official report.
According to the authorities, cases usually increase during the winter: the last time there were significant records of the infection was in the 2017/2018 season. “Discharge can take place every 3 or 4 years, but the social distancing measures implemented during the Covid pandemic he could have interrupted this cycle and explain the current observed increase“, the agency published.
What are streptococci?
There are several bacteria of the genus Streptococcus. Some of the best-known types responsible for causing disease are group B (Pneumoniae and Agalactiae) and group A (Viridans and Pyogenes), explains Cristiana Meirelles, an infectious disease specialist, pediatrician and medical director at Beep Saúde. “They are all round in shape and purple in color when viewed under a microscope, and can be grouped together in chains,” she adds.
Most of these bacteria it is already present in the body of the adult or child without doing any harm. However, certain clinical conditions or an imbalance can lead to the multiplication of a type of Streptococcus, and then we see the manifestation of diseases.
Group A strep (responsible for the cases recorded in England) is linked to diseases such as scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, respiratory infections, among others. THE the most common way it manifests itself is through pharyngotonsillitis, an inflammation of the pharynx and palatine tonsils (tonsils), emphasizes the infectologist.
in children, the picture begins with the sudden onset of sore throat (leading to difficulty eating). The symptom may be accompanied by fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Pus in the throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and red spots on the roof of the mouth are other less common signs.
When, in addition to these denunciations, there are also reddish rashes on the skinstarting in the groin and armpit and then spreading to the trunk and extremities, followed by scaling, the picture can be characterized as scarlet feverChristian says.
How does it spread and how to protect yourself?
Usually, strep A is only present in the skin and mouth region. “This species differs from others of the genus in behavior, chemical characteristics and appearance, being the most capable of causing disease“says the infectious disease specialist.
It is transmitted through the contact between people – such as kissing, sharing cutlery and secretions from sneezes and coughs or infected wounds. This is guaranteed by the United Kingdom’s Health Safety Agency good hand and respiratory hygiene is important to prevent the spread of the germ. “By teaching your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap for 20 seconds, to use a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and to stay away from other people when they feel unwell, you may be able to reduce the risk of your child getting or spreading the infection“, he reiterated in a note.
symptoms and treatment
Streptococcal infection treatment is done with the administration of antibiotics🇧🇷 “Penicillin is usually applied, intramuscularly or orally. Rest, adequate fluid intake, light diet, analgesics and antipyretics to control pain and fever are also some of the precautions”, guides the infectologist.
Furthermore, the British Health Authority warns it children can occasionally develop a bacterial infection at the same time as a viral onewhich will make them sicker.
“It is very rare for a child to become seriously ill and most circulating diseases can be managed at home. However, Parents know better than anyone how their child tends to behave.and they’ll know when he’s not responding in a normal way,” leads the statement.
The instruction is to contact a health professional when you realize that:
- The child is getting worse;
- Does not eat or eats much less than usual;
- The baby has been in a dry diaper for 12 hours or more and is showing signs of dehydration;
- Temperature of 38°C in children aged less than 3 months and 39°C or more in those aged 3 to 6 months;
- The baby is hotter than usual when you touch the back or chest and sweat is present;
- The child is very tired or irritable.
Take him to the emergency room if:
- Your baby is having difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting between breaths)
- There are pauses while the baby breathes;
- The skin, tongue, or lips are blue;
- The child is limping, does not wake up, or stays awake.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
