All articles tagged with #igas
Keilly Byrd-Purtell, a 16-year-old in Bellingham, died on Jan. 2 from invasive group A strep infection with meningitis and sepsis. In her memory, her family founded the Keilly Rose Love, Legacy & Awareness nonprofit to educate about rapid infections, support affected families, and fund prevention efforts, as health officials stressed that there were no reported contagious meningitis cases at the time.
Austin Public Health officials are monitoring for any possible spikes in invasive group A strep (iGAS) locally, as numerous states have seen an increase in iGAS cases. iGAS can lead to severe side effects, including sepsis and toxic shock syndrome. Strep cases require prompt antibiotic treatment, with specific IV-based antibiotics required for iGAS disease. Good hand hygiene is critical to prevent contracting or passing along the illness, and those who are immunocompromised are advised to be mindful of their handwashing techniques and to monitor any possible conditions.
Two central Illinois children have died after being hospitalized with strep throat, prompting concern about the rising number of invasive group A strep (iGAS) cases in the US. Strep throat is common and generally causes mild illness, but severe complications can occur when the bacteria become invasive. Strep is typically treated with antibiotics, but some children may not respond to treatment. Symptoms of strep include sore throat, fever, stomach aches, and vomiting, and parents are urged to contact their health providers when their children start showing early symptoms.