Strep A bacterial infections: Deaths have doubled in the UK … The four warning signs of the disease

The country most affected by this disease, the United Kingdom, has in recent hours published a new assessment of invasive group A Streptococcus infections. At the beginning of the week, seven children died across the UK.

The balance largely returned as the country recorded 15 deaths among children between September 12 and November 28, six more than during the previous update by the authorities on this epidemic.

This week Santé Publique France had published an update on the subject. Again, the number of pediatric cases of invasive group A streptococcal infections was reported as “higher than usually observed”.

Also read:
Streptococcus A bacterial infections: 8 hospitalized children, 3 deaths in France in the last 15 days

Since the beginning of 2022, an increase in the proportion of pediatric strains has been observed, whereas since the summer of 2022, an increase in the number of strains of pediatric invasive infections has been observed compared to previous years.

Note that in France, two children have succumbed to this bacteria in the last two weeks, but also an adult.

What symptoms?

As a reminder, symptoms of a non-invasive group A strep infection include fever, sore throat, and mild skin infections such as rashes, sores, bumps, and blisters.

But there are also four key signs to look out for, according to the NHS, British health authorities:
– Fever
– Intense muscle pain
– Localized muscle soreness
– Redness around a wound

Also read:
Streptococcus A: what is this bacteria?

Infection

According to Santé Publique France, the bacterium is transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact (nasal secretions, skin lesions, etc.).

To limit the risk of transmission, authorities strongly recommend adopting the same barrier measures used against winter viruses:
– sink,
– wearing a mask for people with respiratory infections,
– sneeze or cough into the bend of the elbow.

Also read:
Streptococcus A: respiratory problems, skin destruction, muscle tenderness, what are the symptoms of this infection that killed 8 children in France and the UK?