Several European countries have reported an increase in the year 2022, particularly since September, in the number of cases of invasive group A streptococcal disease (iGAS) among children under 10 years of age. Specifically France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
The cause is bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, colloquially referred to group A streptococcus (GAS), A common pathogen that predominantly affects the skin, soft tissues, and respiratory tract, it is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in disadvantaged settings around the world.
Group A strep represents the most common cause of bacterial pharyngitis in school-age children. They anticipate 616 million new cases of group A strep throat each year.
What effects does GAS produce?
GAS infections usually cause a mild illness that includes a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, red rash. It also causes life-threatening infections including, but not limited to, scarlet fever, bacteremia, pneumonia, necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, endometritis, septic arthritis, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
It is so aggressive because it synthesizes virulence factors that contribute to tissue destruction and the spread of infection.
Approximately 18.1 million people currently suffer from severe group A strep disease, with 1.78 million new cases and approximately 517,000 deaths annually. Most deaths occur within seven days of infection, with the highest mortality risk occurring within the first 48 hours.
Besides, group A streptococcal infection is considered the underlying cause of rheumatic fever.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
Overall mortality rates for all invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infections range from 10% and 20%. However, in specific and specific situations, in some serious invasive infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock, mortality rates can increase by up to 80%.
Early signs and symptoms of invasive group A strep (iGAS) infection may include high fever, severe muscle aches, localized muscle tenderness, and sometimes flushing. at the site of a wound.
If the infection progresses to necrotizing fasciitis, early symptoms may include a rapidly spreading area of red, hot, or swollen skin, severe pain, including pain beyond the area of skin that is red, warm, or swollen, and fever .
Later symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis may include sores, blisters, or black spots on the skin, changes in skin color, pus or oozing from the infected area, dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, or nausea.
In the event that strep toxic shock syndrome occurs, symptoms often begin with fever and chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
After a period of 24 to 48 hours, hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and organ failure appear.
iGAS infections may initially present with non-specific symptoms (fever, general tiredness, loss of appetite) but, particularly in children, may rapidly progress to severe disease.
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