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Invasive Group A Strep

All articles tagged with #invasive group a strep

health2 years ago

Unusual Spike in Invasive Strep Cases Raises Concerns for Parents

Doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina have reported a spike in cases of Invasive Group A Strep, a more aggressive and severe form of the bacteria that causes Strep throat. The increase is considered "very, very unusual" and may be due to reduced exposure during the pandemic or a cluster of cases that would normally occur over a longer period. Parents are advised to seek medical care early if their child shows signs of a high fever, muscle aches, or chills, as early treatment with antibiotics can prevent the infection from progressing to a more severe stage.

health2 years ago

Strep throat infections surge to pre-COVID levels, posing a threat to children's health.

Strep throat infections have surged above pre-COVID levels, with rates of group A strep 30% higher than the previous peak seen in February 2017, according to a report from Epic Research. The majority of cases affected children aged 4 to 13. The spike in cases is likely due to other circulating viruses weakening people's immune systems, and missed cases due to a lack of vigilance. Invasive group A strep cases are also at elevated levels, with some cases not receiving timely treatment due to the current antibiotic shortage. To prevent the spread of strep, doctors advise washing hands often, avoiding sharing glasses or utensils, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

health2 years ago

Strep infections continue to soar in the US, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Strep infections have remained high in the US this spring, even compared to pre-pandemic years. Emergency department visits for regular strep infections reached a five-year high in February and March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rates of invasive group A strep infections have also been higher than usual, particularly in children and older adults. Doctors have a few theories as to why strep infections have persisted at high levels, including a decline in cases during the pandemic due to Covid mitigation measures, which then left people more susceptible later. The high rate of strep infections has been extra difficult because of a shortage of the antibiotic amoxicillin.

health2 years ago

The Alarming Surge of Dangerous Strep Strain Amid Amoxicillin Shortage.

Doctors are seeing a rise in cases of invasive group A strep throat, which can quickly turn deadly if left untreated. Symptoms include severe sore throat, fever, and inflammation of soft tissue. The CDC has warned about elevated cases of strep infections since 2022, and the trend is continuing and impacting adults too. Invasive strep leads to around 1500 to 2300 deaths in the U.S. every year. It is highly treatable with penicillin, but catching it early is crucial.

health2 years ago

The prevalence of invasive group A strep.

Cases of invasive Group A strep remain elevated in some parts of the US, with five children in Illinois dying this year as a result of the strain. The most recent report from the CDC said the rates are anywhere from about 14,000 to 25,000 cases per year. Parents should remain alert as infection rates are increasing both in the US and other countries compared to pre-pandemic rates. Drug shortages are also on the rise and pose a national security threat, according to a new report from Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

health2 years ago

Rising Cases of Strep Throat Cause Concern Among Doctors and Educators.

Cases of invasive Group A strep remain elevated in some parts of the US, with five children in Illinois dying this year as a result of the strain. The most recent report from the CDC said the rates are anywhere from about 14,000 to 25,000 cases per year. Parents should remain alert as the infection rates are increasing both in the US and in other countries compared to pre-pandemic rates. Drug shortages are also on the rise and pose a national security threat, according to a new report from Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

health2 years ago

Invasive Strep A on the Rise, Causing Child Deaths in Illinois and Across US

Invasive Group A strep infections are still a threat in Illinois and other parts of the US, with rates above those seen before the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Illinois has already seen more cases this year than in any of the previous five years, with five pediatric deaths reported. The bacteria is commonly carried by people in their noses and throats or on the skin, but in its invasive form, it can invade parts of the body that are normally free from germs. Early detection is critical, as strep can be diagnosed with a simple test and treated with antibiotics.

health2 years ago

The Rise of Group A Streptococcus Cases in the US

Cases of invasive Group A Strep infections have remained elevated in some parts of the US, with preliminary data from 2023 suggesting that cases have remained high in children in some areas of the country even after some respiratory viruses decreased in those areas. Invasive Group A Strep is a rare but dangerous disease that can cause severe illness and be deadly. The condition is usually treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics and other supportive measures. Practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated against viral infections can help prevent the spread of the bacteria.

health2 years ago

5 pediatric deaths in Illinois linked to Group A Streptococcus: What parents should look out for.

Illinois health officials have issued an alert about a rise in dangerous strep throat cases, with at least five pediatric deaths reported so far in the state. The warning centers on the invasive Group-A strep throat, which can cause severe complications when the bacteria migrate to other parts of the body. Doctors urge parents to contact their health providers when their children come down with severe symptoms, like scarlet fever. To prevent group a strep infections, doctors recommend covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands often with soap and water, and making sure everyone in the house is up to date with flu, COVID and chickenpox vaccines.