Preventing pharyngitis can prevent the infection from getting worse.Symptoms and treatment
outbreak. Streptococcus pyogenes is the main cause of pharyngitis. Photo taken from ELLITORAL.COM.AR
The country’s health ministry remains vigilant over an outbreak of Streptococcus pyogenes, considered a “superbug,” that has killed 78 people since cases began in the country.
Streptococcus pyogenes is the most common cause of acute pharyngitis and skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever. Nearly half of the 487 infected people are under the age of 16.
What symptoms does Streptococcus pyogenes cause?
Group A strep is the bacteria that causes pharyngitis and skin infections. It can also cause otitis media and puerperal fever. But in some cases, it can mutate severely or become an invasive disease in which the bacteria spread to areas such as the lungs, meninges or joints. This can lead to serious and life-threatening conditions.
Another characteristic of Streptococcus pyogenes is that the disease mainly appears in children between 4 and 10 years old, especially in the spring and autumn, so it is expected that the epidemic will start to slow down the infection in a few weeks.
How is Streptococcus pyogenes spread?
Streptococcus pyogenes is spread through direct contact with the wounds of an infected person or through droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing, or talking.
The incubation period of the disease varies depending on the clinical manifestations but is between 1 and 3 days. Pharyngitis is diagnosed by culture and treated with antibiotics (preferably penicillin).
How is Streptococcus pyogenes infection detected?
The most common symptoms are sore throat, fever, and swollen submandibular lymph nodes. After a sore throat, a rash may appear. At this time, it is recommended to go to a medical center.
Keys to Avoiding Worsening of a Streptococcus Pyogenes Infection
1- The reservoir of bacteria is the human body and is part of the normal microbiota. Therefore, people can become asymptomatic carriers of the bacteria and infect others.
2- Pharyngitis is diagnosed by bacterial culture and treated with antibiotics. The treatment of choice is penicillin.
3- As with most bacterial and viral infections, experts advise against self-medication and advocate seeking medical attention if symptoms occur.