What is Strep A bacteria which killed six children in the UK
What is Strep A, the common bacterium that has killed 6 children in the UK
Following the tragic deaths of six children, health officials in the United Kingdom are warning parents and schools to be on the lookout for Strep A infections.
Infections like Strep A are spreading more readily now that Covid-19 restrictions like masking and social distance are no longer necessary in the UK, with incidences rising over the previous month.
Strep A, also known as Group A Streptococcus (GAS), can cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe but is generally not fatal for those who contract it.
Does it cause symptoms
The bacterium streptococcus A can be found on the skin and in the throat. Many people carry it without showing any symptoms, and it typically results in fever and throat infections. They still have the ability to transmit it to others, though, through coughs, sneezes, and close contact.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections are widespread in crowded environments like schools and childcare centers. Symptoms of infection include pain while swallowing, fever, skin rashes, and swollen tonsils and glands.
Beate Kampmann, professor of pediatric infection & immunity and director of the vaccine center at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said in a statement on Friday that infections "tend to be rather innocuous."
However, she added, "in extremely uncommon situations, the bacterium can develop a toxin, enter the bloodstream, and cause really catastrophic sickness" such sepsis, heart inflammation, and toxic shock with organ failure.
If a youngster displays symptoms like fever, vomiting, aches in the muscles, or a rash, she encouraged parents to seek medical help right once.
Antibiotics are usually effective treatment.
Taking Over Group The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says on its website that a Streptococcus (iGAS) is the name used when the bacteria penetrate the body, defeating its natural defenses to enter places such as the blood, and is more harmful.
Antibiotics are typically successful in treating Strep A and iGAS infections, despite the lack of a vaccination to do so.
According to a statement released on Friday by Colin Brown, deputy director at UKHSA, "We are observing a higher number of cases of Group A strep this year than typical."
Children under the age of 10 have seen the greatest increase in iGAS this year, the UKHSA stated. In England, five kids lost their lives. Wales has had one death reported, according to Public Health Wales.
According to UKHSA data, between mid-September and mid-November, there were 2.3 cases per 100,000 children aged one to four, compared to an average of 0.5 during the pre-pandemic seasons.
In comparison to the pre-pandemic average of 0.3, there were 1.1 cases per 100,000 children aged 5 to 9 in this age group.
The statement also noted that the most recent period of elevated infection rates occurred between 2017 and 2018, during which time four children under the age of 10 perished.
According to the UKHSA, the spike in infections is most likely the result of "circulating bacteria and social mixing," and the agency does not believe a new strain is in circulation.
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