Streptococcus pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium that is the most common bacterial cause of acute pharyngitis and skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever.
In 2023, the national health surveillance system reported a total of 382 confirmed cases of Streptococcus pyogenes invasive infection, including 64 deaths. Salta has confirmed 7 cases and 2 deaths.
In terms of confirmed cases of Streptococcus pyogenes invasive infections in previous years (2019 to 2022), the highest number of cases was recorded in 2022 (the cut-off year), with a total of 75 cases reported. The number of cases in 2023 increased by 281% compared to the same period in 2019.
Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as Group A Streptococcus, often causes minor illnesses such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever. However, in rare cases, the infection can lead to invasive disease, leading to life-threatening conditions and leading to more than 500,000 deaths worldwide each year.
Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected person and can occur through coughing, sneezing, or contact with a wound.
The incubation period of the disease varies from 1 to 3 days depending on the clinical manifestations. Treating an infected person with antibiotics for at least 24 hours usually eliminates their ability to spread.
Pharyngitis is diagnosed by bacterial culture and treated with antibiotics. Hand hygiene and personal hygiene help control the spread.
Situation in the province jumps to 2023 Epidemiological Week 41
Since the beginning of the year, seven cases of Streptococcus pyogenes infection have been reported in the city of Salta.
They appear in the summer and spring, that is, between the 2nd and 41st weeks of the epidemiology. 80% of the confirmed cases are under 9 years old, and the distribution by gender is mainly female.
The clinical stages that occur are dermatoses, arthritis, sepsis and, to a lesser extent, pneumonia, bacteremia, and toxic shock.
Streptococcus pyogenes infections have been reported in the province since 2011, leading to an increasing death toll over the past five years. Two deaths have been reported during 2023.
Suggestions for the community
Symptoms of pharyngitis are sore throat; fever; headache; abdominal pain; nausea and vomiting; redness of the pharynx and tonsils; bad breath; and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
Regarding scarlet fever, the most common symptoms are redness and sore throat; fever (38.3°C or higher); red rash with a sandpaper texture; dark red skin in the armpits, elbows, and groin folds; tongue or back of throat White moss; “raspberry” tongue; headache; nausea or vomiting; swollen glands; body aches.
When some of these symptoms occur, it’s important to avoid self-medicating with antibiotics and consult a doctor for prompt diagnosis.
Where antibiotic treatment is medically indicated, the treatment regimen must be completed (do not shorten or abandon treatment prematurely), as inappropriate use of antibiotics can promote bacterial resistance, compromising their future effectiveness.
Sick people should avoid public places (work, school) and limit household contacts. It is also important to wash your hands frequently; do not share personal items (cutlery, glasses, towels, etc.) and ventilate the room regularly and adequately.