The SESARAM Public Health Unit warns of the outbreak of impetigo in Madeira.
According to RTP-Madeira, there are 11 suspected cases, seven of which have been confirmed by SESARAM.
It is a “contagious disease detected in some athletes” and, therefore, leaves a list of recommendations that must be adopted in sports practice spaces, to prevent more secondary cases.
Impetigo is a skin infection, caused by bacteria that normally live on our skin. It can occur when there is already an injury to the skin, such as insect bites, cuts, scrapes or eczema. It can happen at any age.
It is characterized by red lesions on the skin, which can open and release fluid, forming a yellow crust. Lesions may cause pain or itching. Less often, there may be blisters, fever or malaise. Scratching the lesions can cause them to appear on other parts of the body.
It is an infection that is often mild, but contagious. Transmission occurs through direct contact with the lesions or through contact with other objects such as clothing, sports balls,
Treatment involves taking an antibiotic and/or using an ointment, and the patient is no longer infectious 48 hours after starting the appropriate antibiotic. Without antibiotic treatment, the lesions are considered no longer infectious when they dry up and become crusted over.
Impetigo is a disease subject to mandatory school exclusion (Regulatory Decree No. 3/95 of January 27), that is, all students, teachers and non-teachers must be temporarily removed from the school environment until the end of they 48 hours of antibiotic therapy or until all lesions crust over. The transfer declaration is issued by the local Health Authority.
Young people or adults with suspected injuries should see their attending physician and follow medical advice. If diagnosed with impetigo, they can only return to school: if they complete 48 hours of antibiotics; or the lesions are bruised.
During the first 48 hours of treatment, you must stay at home. Young people/adults or families without symptoms, but who have had direct contact with someone with impetigo, should be alert for the appearance of symptoms.
To control and break the chain of transmission, the following recommendations are made:
Recommendations for school and sports clubs:
Reinforce daily hygiene and disinfection measures, paying particular attention to door handles and taps, handrails, toilet flushers, tables and sporting objects (balls, mattresses, other equipment)
Reinforce daily hygiene and disinfection measures in changing rooms;
Promote frequent hand washing with soap and water;
Any suspected case of impetigo should be referred to the attending physician for diagnosis and guidance.
At-home suggestions for people with impetigo:
Avoid close/physical contact with others;
Do not scratch the lesions and keep your nails short to avoid further injury (scissors / nail clippers must be washed and disinfected after each use);
Do not share clothes, sheets and towels, which must be changed daily and washed at 60ºC;
Clean surfaces that the person with impetigo has touched, such as countertops and doorknobs.
If antibiotics are prescribed for the lesions, first clean the lesions with warm water, do not touch the tube directly with the lesions and wash your hands before and after application.
As new cases can emerge within 10 days of the last contact with a case of illness, it is expected that more cases will emerge in the coming days.
Any new case must be reported to adjust measures, if necessary.
Time.news Interview: Understanding the Impetigo Outbreak in Madeira
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive into the most pressing issues affecting our communities. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Maria Oliveira, a public health expert, to discuss the recent outbreak of impetigo in Madeira. Dr. Oliveira, thank you for being here.
Dr. Oliveira: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to address the situation, especially considering the health implications for our community.
Editor: Absolutely. To start, can you explain what impetigo is and what might have caused this outbreak?
Dr. Oliveira: Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria that naturally reside on our skin. It often occurs when there’s already a break in the skin, such as from insect bites, cuts, or scrapes. The recent report of 11 suspected cases, with seven confirmed, suggests a cluster that may have originated from direct contact among athletes, as the disease spreads easily through lesions or contaminated objects like clothing and sports equipment.
Editor: That makes sense. I understand the symptoms include red lesions that can open and form a yellow crust. Can you elaborate on how one can identify this infection?
Dr. Oliveira: Yes, the typical symptoms are red, itchy lesions that can weep and eventually crust over. In some cases, patients might also experience blisters or fever. It’s essential to not scratch the lesions, as this could spread the infection to other parts of the body. Early identification is key to preventing further spread, especially in group settings like schools and sports teams.
Editor: Speaking of group settings, what precautions are being advised to control the outbreak, particularly in schools and sports environments?
Dr. Oliveira: The SESARAM Public Health Unit has issued recommendations for safe practices. First, anyone with suspected symptoms should see a doctor immediately. Furthermore, it’s crucial for anyone diagnosed with impetigo to stay home for 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment or until all lesions have crusted over to avoid infecting others. Schools have a mandatory exclusion policy that dictates this.
Editor: So, if a student contracts impetigo, how does that process typically unfold regarding their return to school?
Dr. Oliveira: Students, teachers, and staff who are confirmed to have impetigo must stay home until they have completed at least 48 hours of antibiotic therapy or until their lesions are no longer present. This is vital for limiting the infection’s spread. The local Health Authority will issue a transfer declaration for them to return.
Editor: What should families do if they or their children have been in contact with someone diagnosed with impetigo?
Dr. Oliveira: They should remain vigilant for any symptoms. If any signs appear, it’s critical to contact a healthcare professional for advice and possible treatment. Preventative measures like good hygiene practices, especially handwashing, are also essential to control the spread.
Editor: Dr. Oliveira, thank you for these insights. It’s clear that while impetigo can be mild, its contagious nature requires immediate action from both individuals and the community to prevent a larger outbreak.
Dr. Oliveira: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important health issue. Awareness and proactive measures are key to managing such outbreaks effectively.
Editor: Well said. For our readers, remember to stay alert and informed—your health matters. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news.