Nathan Jeffay is a science and Times of Israel correspondent.
Israel’s Ministry of Health has raised considerations about the spread of strep A, a bacterium that recently killed 29 children in the UK.
Streptococcus, commonly known as strep, causes a sore throat and flu-like symptoms. But in rare cases, the bacteria becomes invasive, grows in the blood or other organs, and can cause a variety of conditions.
These come with meningitis, scarlet fever, poisonous surprise syndrome, and a carnivorous condition called necrotizing fasciitis. These can cause serious illness and even death.
Scientists classify other “organizations” of strep bacteria, which stand out among other inflamed people, and the existing fear is organization A, officially known as Streptococcus pyogenes.
The World Health Organization recently announced that there is an increase in morbidity due to invasive infections caused by strep A, but has not explained why this happens. His announcement was based on reports from at least five countries: the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Australia on Friday reported two child deaths from the bacteria. And in the UK, counting infant and adult mortality, there have been 151 deaths from strep A infections since September, and the season is believed to be in full swing. Child deaths in the UK, 29, have already surpassed the number of the last intense season, in 2017 and 2018.
The Health Ministry’s epidemiology team wrote to doctors Monday that it was tracking strep A and “seeing compatibility to teach medical groups about the subject. “
He said strep A strains that were rare in the past have more, causing an “increase in invasive morbidity. “.
Professor Hagai Levine, an epidemiologist at Hebrew University and president of the Israel Association of Public Health Physicians, told The Times of Israel that parents don’t panic, but be vigilant.
“This is definitely another fitness factor that parents need to be aware of, along with COVID-19, flu, RSV and others,” she said.
The medical government wants “follow-up, surveillance and awareness,” he said, noting that when caught early, invasive strep A can be treated well with antibiotics.
The World Health Organization reported in its recent announcement on strep A that “there were no reports of an increase in antibiotic resistance,” which left doctors positive about the ability of antibiotics to cancel infections.
Streptococcus A bacteria are spread through sneezing, coughing, and skin contact. Those most at risk for invasive infection are the elderly and anyone with weakened immune systems, for example, those with long-term fitness problems.
Levine said parents deserve to see a doctor if their child is unresponsive, has a high fever or exhibits behavior. She said it can be tricky for parents to know if their child is seriously ill, but said they deserve to “trust their instincts. “and go to the doctor if your behavior is out of the ordinary.
The Ministry of Health said in its letter that “invasive infection is explained when there is penetration of the bacterium into sterile sites such as the circulatory system, lungs and soft tissues such as muscle and fat. “a contribution to an immediate diagnosis. “
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