Peoria — Jamie Harwood has been a coroner in Peoria County for six years and has yet to see a death from strep throat until this year.
Since late February, two children in central Illinois have died after being hospitalized with streptococcus: a 4-year-old Peoria girl and a 7-year-old Bloomington girl.
“Both were seemingly healthy children with streptococcal infections. Both were treated appropriately, but unfortunately, everyone responds differently to antibiotics and treatment. “This is the case with these two girls. Their condition continued to deteriorate and the streptococci continued to spread. It was a sad situation that we couldn’t handle.”
What is invasive group A streptococcus?
disease caused by Group A Streptococcus Bacteria such as strep throat and scarlet fever are common and generally cause mild illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Serious complications from streptococci occur when, for unknown reasons, the bacteria migrate to other parts of the body and become invasive.
Invasive group A streptococci, or iGAS, are uncommon, but the number of cases is increasing across the United States. Illinois will report more cases in his 2023 than any year in the last five years, said Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the Illinois Department of Public Service.health, to attract attention Until the March 10th issue.
“I would like to share my concern about the increasing number of cases of streptococcal pharyngitis in Illinois, which is causing serious complications. It’s the result of the disease spreading from the blood, muscles, and lungs,” he said. Sudden sore throat, pain when swallowing, and fever. Early detection is important.
Cases Increase in Central Illinois
The Peoria area has an unusually high number of streptococcal cases, but since streptococcus is not a reportable disease, precise statistics are not available, said Diana Scott. Peoria City/County Health DepartmentOSF Healthcare Pediatrician Dr. Christine Ray She said she is diagnosing more strep throat this year than she has in the nine years she has practiced medicine.
“We have seen a definite increase in the number of strep infections in our clinics, and strep throat is the most common. I know you’re watching,” she said. “When we were confined at home[during the pandemic]there was a time when we didn’t get a positive strep test for months. I believe it was positive.”
How is streptococcus contracted and treated?
Streptococci usually infect children between the ages of 5 and 15, but adults who have frequent contact with children are also at risk. According to the CDCGroup A streptococci are transmitted by respiratory droplets, direct contact, or by drinking from the same glass or eating from the same plate as an infected person.
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Although most cases of strep throat don’t progress to iGAS, Streptococcus is something doctors take very seriously and they always prescribe antibiotics, Ray said.
“There are a lot of things that are waiting to be watched carefully, like an ear infection. The reason for this is to prevent complications such as the heart and kidneys caused by bacteria. need to do it.”
No one knows why some kids go to iGAS. One thing doctors know is that the body has a harder time fighting off streptococcus if another infection is present. I urged you to confirm that you are inoculated with
“If you have the flu or chickenpox, you may be at an increased risk of contracting invasive group A streptococci.
when to see a doctor
Symptoms that parents should watch for include sore throat, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting, and rash. Coughing and congestion aren’t usually symptoms of streptococcus, but it’s likely a virus that doesn’t require immediate attention, Ray said.
“If you know your child behaves this way when he has a cold, it’s fine to stay home and observe him for a few days,” she said. If you have a fever for more than 3 days it’s worth calling If you have any weird skin things bring them in. Look at something that just looks like streptococcus Because we can know if
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Children aren’t always able to explain how they’re feeling, so it’s always better to be cautious and call a doctor, Ray said.
“If I’m unsure or have concerns about pediatrics, I’d rather talk to them than miss something.”
Leslie Renken can be reached at (309) 370-5087 or lrenken@pjstar.com. Follow her at her Facebook.com/leslie.renken.
