So far, eight mild cases have been confirmed, as well as a 5-year-old child who died. Regardless, it is worth noting that these numbers are similar to those seen in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Public Health Minister Karina Lando explained to the capital’s media that the epidemiological situation in Uruguay has changed after the Covid-19 pandemic and that education and health authorities are currently on alert due to the emergence of cases of scarlet fever.
Scarlet fever is a disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This condition can lead to pharyngitis and serious infection. Landau confirmed that there are seven active outbreaks in different schools and clarified that an “outbreak” refers to two or more patients who are epidemiologically linked.
The current recorded outbreak is in Montevideo, but this does not mean that the outbreak is likely to occur inland. Lando noted that cases are expected to increase in schools and kindergartens at this time of year and that the numbers are similar to pre-pandemic times.
He explained that in the past two years, there have been slight changes in epidemiology, which means that the Ministry of Public Health has to conduct very active epidemiological surveillance, as is currently happening with the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic. That way. Scarlet Fever Cases.
Junior technical inspector Ivonne Constantino confirmed that as of Wednesday, eight mild cases of scarlet fever had been confirmed. Only 1 occurred in the interior, and 7 others occurred in schools in the province of Montevideo: 2 in the same educational center and the rest in different centres.
With the exception of second grade students, all those affected are elementary education students. Faced with this situation, planned protocols are being implemented, which have been submitted to inspections by different departments, related to the hygiene of the space and the elements and supplies shared by the children.
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These infections are spread through respiratory droplets or through direct contact with an infected person who talks, coughs, sneezes, or touches an infected surface (and then puts their hands in their mouth) or by sharing glasses, plates, toys, or other utensils ) to spread bacteria.
It usually takes 2 to 5 days for someone exposed to Group A strep to develop pharyngitis or scarlet fever. Symptoms of pharyngitis include: sore throat, fever, headache, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, bad breath, redness of the pharynx and tonsils, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
The most common symptoms of scarlet fever are: redness, sore throat, fever (38.3°C or higher), a red rash with a sandpaper texture, dark red skin in the armpits, elbows, and groin folds, and white moss on or on the tongue. The back of the throat.
Additionally, “raspberry” tongue, headache, nausea or vomiting, swollen glands, and body aches can occur. If you experience some of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider for prompt diagnosis and to avoid self-medicating with antibiotics.
To prevent strep throat and scarlet fever, it is recommended to: Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and use a mask; Wash your hands frequently; Avoid sharing glasses, bottles, cutlery, towels and other personal items; Ventilate your room daily; Clean and disinfect surfaces and toys; and avoid overcrowding.
Children with respiratory symptoms, including sore throat, should not attend educational or sports centers or social gatherings. To resume activities after having strep throat or scarlet fever, you must be symptom-free for more than 24 hours and have been treated with antibiotics for more than 24 hours.