Health officials in Illinois are warning of an increase in severe strep throat cases, with at least five pediatric deaths reported so far.
The alert focuses on the invasive group A strep throat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Illinois Department of Public Health have both issued alerts about the increase in cases.
Strep Throat Infection Vs. Ordinary Sore Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by group A streptococcus bacteria, hence the name. Strep can be shared through direct touch or inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Sore throat, swallowing pain, fever, swollen and pus-covered tonsils, red spots on the roof of the mouth known as petechiae, and swollen lymph nodes at the front of the neck are all symptoms.
The fundamental distinction between strep throat and ordinary sore throat, according to Dr. Anna Richie, clinical director of Memorial Health’s urgent care centers, is that strep is caused by bacteria, whereas most sore throats are caused by viruses.
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When To Seek Treatment?
According to Richie, persons with strep usually have an isolated sore throat with no other cold symptoms such as coughing or a stuffy nose. Strep is identified with rapid tests and throat cultures.
Richie stated that Memorial Health has seen a huge spike in cases, with over 700 instances reported in the last week. The positivity rate has also increased to 30%, up from 10% in a typical year.
She believes that strep could be one of a number of ailments that have gained prominence since the end of the COVID-19 emergency, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, as well as the termination of forced masking.
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