We now know that Strep A has been the direct cause of the deaths of 15 youngsters, all of whom were suffering from an invasive illness.
In light of the recent rise in Strep A infections, health officials are warning parents to be on the lookout for scarlet fever signs in their children.
What Is Strep A?
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that the incidence of scarlet fever is still much higher than normal for this time of year. The organization revealed that in week 46, there were 851 cases, far higher than the yearly norm of 186.
What is Strep A, though, and how should a parent or caregiver respond if they suspect their child has it? What follows is a complete and comprehensive explanation.
Group A streptococcus (GAS), sometimes known as strep A, is a common skin and throat bacterium. Strep throat, impetigo, and scarlet fever are just a few of the respiratory and skin ailments that this condition can bring on.
However, invasive Group A Strep occurs only rarely when the bacteria enter the bloodstream (iGAS). Although invasive Strep A cases are still relatively rare, they have been on the rise this year, especially in children younger than 10.
Getting in close touch with someone who has it can also spread it, as can coughing or sneezing.
Scarlet fever may only cause modest symptoms, but it can spread quickly and easily.
Read more: Here’s how your blood type related to your heart’s health!
What Are The Symptoms?
Strep A symptoms include sore throat, high temperature, swollen tonsils with white patches, headache, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and maybe a rash.
There may also be a red rash all over the body that feels like sandpaper. It may be harder to see the rash on darker skin, but you’ll still feel the sandpapery texture.
When the bacteria first infect the tongue, a white coating may develop; this layer will peel off, leaving the tongue red, swollen, and bumpy thus the name strawberry tongue.
It is recommended by the UK Health Service Advisory Committee that parents and caregivers rely on their gut feelings if they suspect their kid is very ill. The National Health Service 111 (NHS 111), or your family doctor (GP), recommends that you seek medical attention if:
- Your kid seems to be worsening
- Your kid isn’t eating or drinking as much as usual and it’s causing concern
- If it’s been more than 12 hours since your child’s last wet diaper, or if they’re otherwise showing signs of dehydration, you should change their diaper
- Your infant’s temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher (for babies younger than 3 months) or 39 degrees Celsius or higher for babies older than 3 months
- When you touch your baby’s back or chest, they feel hotter than usual, and your touch causes them to sweat
- Your kid seems overtired and irritable.
Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- You may hear grunting or feel your child’s stomach pull in under their ribcage if he or she is having trouble breathing
- As your infant breaths in and out, there are brief pauses
- A blue hue can be seen on your kid’s lips, tongue or skin
- Your kid is a flop who refuses to get up and play