With the deaths of two individuals in Ilia attributed to invasive streptococcus and three more individuals showing symptoms, the country’s health authorities are on heightened alert. Here’s everything we need to know about the streptococcus bacteria.
Since the beginning of 2024, both the World Health Organization and national health authorities have been on standby for an increase in cases of Group A streptococcus. Last January, the cases in our country and globally were primarily found in children, with the WHO recommending close monitoring of the epidemiological situation in Europe.
The cases that have brought concerns to the forefront are now among adults. So, let’s see what we know about streptococcus. What are the symptoms associated with it? How is it transmitted from person to person? How dangerous can it prove to be? And how can it be treated?
What is Group A streptococcus?
As we read on the official EODY page, streptococcus is a common bacterium that actually lives on us. Many of us carry it in our throats and on our skin, but without showing symptoms of infection.
However, this particular pathogen can cause infections in some cases, either mild or severe. Severe infections arise from invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS). These infections occur when the bacteria are transported to parts of the body where they are normally not detected, such as the lungs or elsewhere through the bloodstream.
Transmission and vulnerable groups
Group A streptococcus spreads through close contact with an infected person, through coughing and sneezing, or from a wound.
In fact, experts warn that some individuals may carry the bacteria and can transmit them without feeling unwell or showing symptoms of any infection. The risk of transmission is much greater when a person has symptoms.
Anyone can become ill from a streptococcal infection. However, those most vulnerable to the bacteria are young children under 10 years old, the elderly over 65 years old, the immunocompromised, people with chronic diseases, and those living in poor hygiene conditions and crowded environments.
Symptoms
The symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection that the bacteria cause. For example, pharyngotonsillitis presents with fever, sore throat, dysphagia, swelling of the tonsils with a whitish coating, swelling of the lymph nodes and petechiae on the palate.
Experts point out that if there is a persistent fever, severe sore throat, dysphagia, or fever accompanied by a rash, or severe fatigue, it is essential to see a doctor immediately, as invasive infection from group A streptococcus progresses rapidly.
How dangerous is it?
Group A streptococcus causes infections of the skin, soft tissues, and the respiratory tract. It is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, and infectious erysipelas. These infections are rarely severe, and symptoms subside with appropriate medication.
In some cases, if the streptococcal infection is not treated with the appropriate antibiotics, it can lead to severe complications such as kidney involvement (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis) or heart involvement (rheumatic fever).
In rare cases, group A streptococcus can cause invasive disease in humans (iGAS-invasive Group A Streptococcus), meaning a very serious infection that, without appropriate and immediate treatment, can lead to death.
This can occur when a person has open wounds that allow bacteria to enter the tissue, from damage to the respiratory tract following a viral disease, or in an individual with reduced immunity due to an underlying condition or medication.
Forms of invasive disease caused by the bacterium include:
- necrotizing fasciitis
- and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
How to treat it
When Group A streptococcal infection is diagnosed, specialists address it immediately with antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection.
Preventive measures for streptococcal infection from group A streptococcus include:
- Proper adherence to hygiene rules and hand hygiene
- Implementation of personal protective measures
- Avoiding close contact and ensuring proper ventilation of spaces
- Proper cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and frequently used items, according to expert guidelines
- Limiting individuals who are ill to home care, at least for twenty-four hours after starting their antibiotic treatment
- It should be noted that there is currently no vaccine for the prevention of streptococcal infection from group A. However, some clinical trials are underway.