Streptococcus A Outbreak Alert from the Department of Health

SAFAKNA TURKEY – in information published by the Directorate General of Public Health; All the details about how streptococcus A is transmitted, its symptoms, treatment and emergencies are included.

What is Streptococcus A

Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci can rarely cause serious and life-threatening infections. Serious, life-threatening group A beta-hemolytic infections occur when bacteria enter the blood, muscles, or lung tissue. Previous viral infections increase susceptibility to serious life-threatening streptococcal infections.

As of 2022, a significant increase in serious life-threatening cases has been reported, especially in some countries. Especially since September, cases have been reported from England, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries. Globally, there has been an increase in case reports from Australia and New Zealand. Deaths have also been reported, especially in England and the Netherlands. Several cases have been registered in our country.

How is Streptococcus A transmitted?

A person can become infected by direct contact with droplets spread by coughs and sneezes of sick people, or by touching surfaces where the germ is spread by entering the mouth, nose, or eyes without washing hands. It is also transmitted by direct contact with infected skin wounds. Patients are no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.

Symptoms

– Sudden onset of fever

– Sudden sore throat

– enlargement and soreness of the cervical lymph nodes,

– headache, fatigue,

– in some cases, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting,

An extensive rash and redness may also be observed on the body.

*People with runny nose, cough, cold symptoms are much less likely to have group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus.

Throat infection treatment

Early treatment of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, before the infection progresses, is very important to prevent the development of a serious life-threatening beta-hemolytic streptococcal A geubu infection. When treated with antibiotics (oral syrup/tablets or intramuscular injection) as recommended by a physician, complete recovery is achieved and possible poor outcomes are prevented. It is important that you apply the treatment correctly and within the time frame recommended by your doctor. People with group A beta-hemolytic strep throat should not go to work, school, or daycare until the 24-hour course of antibiotics is completed.

What situations are urgent

To prevent or control the development of serious life-threatening infections caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus; Contact your family doctor or hospital in the following cases:

Your child;

– If fever and sore throat suddenly appear, but there are no complaints such as sneezing, coughing and runny nose (suggest a viral infection),

-If you can’t get your temperature down despite taking painkillers and antipyretics and it gets worse,

– Eat much less than usual or avoid fluids

– If the redness and rash spread all over the body,

– If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or is over 3 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher.

– In any of the following situations, call the 112 emergency line or contact the Emergency Services.

Your child;

– Difficulty breathing (you may wheeze or notice your stomach sinking under your ribs when you inhale)

– If there are pauses in breathing,

– If you have a rash that spreads quickly over your body,

– If the skin, tongue or lips turn blue,

– If the skin seems pale or cold and clammy,

– If he has a seizure (convulsions, fainting),

– does not wake up or stay awake

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