The Ministry of Health’s latest national epidemiological bulletin reports the growth of the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes This is a 281% increase compared to last year.he Group A Streptococcus is a Gram-positive bacterium and is the most common bacterial cause acute pharyngitis and some skin infections, such as impetigo, cellulite and scarlet fever. Since the beginning of this year, 118 cases of invasive infection caused by it have been confirmed nationwide.
“Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat or pharynx that can be caused by bacteria or viruses. But such bacteria can cause acute pharyngitis, skin infections and scarlet fever. It is therefore important to consider the unique symptoms of each disease”, Dr. Cecilia Avancini, pediatrician at Vittal (MN 102751) Yes.
What are the symptoms of pharyngitis?
In this sense, he pointed out that the symptoms of pharyngitis are sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, redness of the pharynx and tonsils, bad breath, and enlarged glands in the neck.
What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?
Meanwhile, the most common symptoms of scarlet fever are sore throat, redness, fever (38.3°C or higher), a sandpaper-textured red rash, armpit folds, dark red skin on the elbows and groin; White lichen, “raspberry” tongue, headache, nausea or vomiting, swollen glands, body aches. “Scarlet fever is the only outbreak disease for which antibiotics are required”, explains Dr. Avancini.
In addition, it also pointed out that “in terms of the age of confirmed cases in 2023, the minimum age is 0 years old, the maximum age is 83 years old, and the median age is 16 years old. Of the total number of confirmed cases, 43.2% are under 10 years old.
He added: “All rashes are more common in childhood because many adults have been exposed to strep in their lives and have developed antibodies to it. Scarlet fever is the only rash that can recur because there are different chains Coccal strains.All other rashes, such as measles, chickenpox, and rubella, occur only once because only one virus can form antibodies and maintain lifelong immunity.
Regarding the diagnosis, the pediatrician explained that this is done with throat swabs and cultures. “Pharyngitis is diagnosed by culture and treated with antibiotics. Hand hygiene and personal hygiene can help control transmission, which occurs through close contact with an infected person and can be spread by coughing, sneezing or touching a wound ,” emphasizes Dr. Avancini.
In terms of treatment, infected people must be treated with antibiotics and must complete the program because the fact that antibiotics are not used properly can promote bacterial resistance, a fact that threatens their future effectiveness. “Treating an infected person with antibiotics for at least 24 hours usually eliminates their ability to transmit,” the expert emphasized.
It also suggests that sick people should avoid public places and limit household contact. It is also important to wash your hands frequently, not share personal items, ventilate the environment regularly; and stay up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccines, especially those with risk factors.