Illinois health officials have warned of an increase in dangerous streptococcal infections, with at least five child deaths reported in Illinois so far.
The alert focuses on invasive group A streptococci in the pharynx.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Illinois Department of Public Health He issued a warning over the rising number of cases.
On March 10, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said that Illinois is seeing an increase in cases of group A streptococcal pharyngitis, which causes serious complications, and that “by 2023, there will be more than any number of cases in the last five years.” There are more reported cases than cases,” he warned.
“With COVID-19 cases and community levels stabilizing, we would like to share our concern about the increasing number of streptococcal cases leading to serious complications in Illinois,” Bora said in a statement. “These cases, known as invasive group A streptococci, are the result of a disease that spreads from the throat to the blood, muscles, and lungs. When children begin to show early symptoms, parents should be notified of their health care provider.” These symptoms include a sudden onset of sore throat, pain when swallowing, and fever Streptococcus can be diagnosed with a simple test and treated with antibiotics. If possible, make sure everyone in your home is up to date with flu and chickenpox vaccines. may be at an increased risk of contracting group A streptococci.”
IDPH confirmed to NBC Chicago on Monday that at least five child deaths have been confirmed so far this year across Illinois.
of CDC It also said it was “investigating an increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections among children in the United States,” including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Added that it is included.
Dr. Arti Barnes, chief medical officer of IDPH, said, “[We]are especially concerned about children as we are seeing an outbreak of Group A streptococci.
In the past three months, Advocate Children’s Hospital said it had treated eight children with invasive group A streptococci.
Dr. Michael Cappello of Advocate Children’s Hospital explains what you need to know about the increasing number of “invasive” strep throat cases in Illinois.
“Some of them are so sick that they even need admission to the intensive care unit,” said Dr. Michael Capello.
this is CDC warns Amoxicillin is “most commonly prescribed to children for the treatment of group A streptococcal infections.”
“The shortage is expected to last for several months,” said the CDC.
Here’s what parents should know:
What is invasive group A streptococcal pharyngitis?
Group A streptococcal sore throats become invasive because they invade parts of the body that are “normally free of pathogens,” according to the CDC.
“When this happens, the disease is usually very serious, requiring hospital treatment and in some cases, even fatal,” says the CDC. are examples of iGAS infections.In addition to causing rare but serious and invasive infections, group A streptococci are responsible for common and generally mild infections such as streptococcal pharyngitis and scarlet fever. cause illness.
Burns told NBC 5:
Why is Group A Streptococcus dangerous?
How does streptococcus become deadly?
Doctors said Group A streptococci produce a toxin that, once it enters the bloodstream, can overwhelm the immune system.
“Once that toxin gets in, it can of course cause real damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, joints and bones,” Barnes said.
However, the reasons behind the surge in pediatric cases remain unclear.
“We don’t know if there’s something specific about the strains of streptococcus we’re seeing that’s making the kids sicker, or if it’s just an increase in strep throats,” says Diana Behrens. said Dr. American Academy of Pediatrics.
What are the symptoms of group A streptococcal pharyngitis?
Symptoms may begin immediately with aggressive group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
“A sore throat – it can start quickly,” Behrens said. “Swallowing can cause pain and fever.”
Capello also recommends that parents check their children’s skin.
“If you have red, hot, swollen, painful skin, especially in cuts, abrasions, or areas where something may have oozed, seek care for it.
People who have the bacteria can become infected even if they have no symptoms.
“Some infected people have no symptoms or appear ill. Those infected with strep throat are more contagious than those without symptoms,” the CDC said.
What symptoms of streptococcus
- heat
- pain when swallowing
- sore throat that starts very quickly and looks red
- red and swollen tonsils
- White spots or streaks of pus on tonsils
- Small red spots on the palate called petechiae (pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye).
- swollen lymph nodes in front of neck
- headache
- stomachache
- nausea or vomiting
- rash (scarlet fever)
scarlet fever
- very red, sore throat
- fever (101°F or higher) or chills
- white coating on the tongue early in the disease
- “Strawberry” (red and bumpy) tongue
- sandpaper-like red rash
- Bright red skin in armpits, elbows, and groin creases
- swollen glands on the neck
- headache or body pain
- nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has these
Early symptoms:
- fever and chills
- muscle pain
- nausea and vomiting
Subsequent symptoms:
It usually takes only about 24 to 48 hours after the first symptoms start before hypotension develops. When this happens, STSS can quickly become severe, he said, according to the CDC.
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Tachycardia (faster than normal heart rate)
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
- Organ failure (other signs that an organ is not working)
- example: People with renal failure may not urinate. People with liver failure may bleed and bruise a lot, and their skin and eyes may turn yellow.
fascial necrosiss
Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has these
Early symptoms:
- red, hot, or swollen areas of skin that spread rapidly
- Severe pain, including pain beyond areas of red, hot, or swollen skin
- heat
Subsequent symptoms:
- Ulcers, blisters, or dark spots on the skin
- change in skin color
- Pus or oozing from the infected area
- dizzy
- tiredness
- diarrhea or nausea
Click for more possible conditions related to invasive group A streptococci and their symptoms here.
what about the spread?
The CDC reports that group A streptococci are commonly spread in two ways: by respiratory droplets and by direct contact.
People with strep throat usually become ill within 2 to 5 days of exposure.
In the case of respiratory droplets, germs can be spread when someone speaks, coughs, or sneezes and inhales droplets from an infected person. You can also become infected by touching a surface with such droplets and then touching your mouth or nose.
It can also become infected through an infected skin wound.
People who have the bacteria can become infected even if they have no symptoms.
What can I do to protect my child?
Doctors say vaccination is important not only for influenza and COVID, but also for chickenpox.
“Skin tears that may occur also provide entry points for group A streptococci to enter the bloodstream,” Cappello said.
Antibiotics are also important.
“It needs to be treated early. Antibiotics work,” Barnes said.
Doctors also recommend maintaining good hygiene.
To prevent group A streptococcal infections, CDC recommends:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Please put used tissues in the waste basket.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow instead of your hand.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
