Significant increase in cases caused by Streptococcus pyogenes: half of those affected are children and teenagers, they confirm

bacterial outbreak Streptococcus pyogenes -Also known as Group A Streptococcus Have the authority of Ministry of Healthlast night they confirmed so far So far in 2023, 487 cases and 78 deaths have been recorded.

This bacteria can cause mild infections to very serious illness. serious and fatal.Therefore, it can produce pharyngitiswhen accompanied by rash, become”scarlet fever“. or it may result in pneumonialocalized infections of muscles, bones, or joints (called fasciitis, osteomyelitis, and arthritis), and Infection spreads in the blood.

A statement issued by the national health department stated that “as of November 6, 2023, the current situation has been reported to the National Health Commission.” National Health Surveillance System 487 Case Invasively infected Streptococcus pyogenes across the country, including 78 deaths. Almost half of Streptococcus pyogenes cases are in people under the age of 16, (241 cases = 49.5%), while 38.5% of the death cases were children under 16 years old, and the remaining cases were distributed among all age groups. “

“On the other hand, although scarlet fever is not part of the mandatory notifiable events, an outbreak of any etiology is a notifiable event. In this context, in October 2023, an outbreak of scarlet fever was reported in an educational institution in the province of Santa Fe and There are five related cases, none requiring hospitalization and all are progressing well,” they clarified.

The national health department explains that “in successive reports published in the National Epidemiological Bulletin (BEN) EW 26 and 31 update on the national epidemiological situation Someone warned that it was found in Argentina M1UK clone And it was found that 7 M1 sublineage cases acquired mobile genetic elements encoding the superantigenic toxin SpeC, which is different from the emerging strains M1UK (UK) or M1DK (Denmark). “

Thirteen weeks have passed since then, and the data were not updated until the 44th epidemiological week.

“About Genomic Surveillance – carried out through the National Laboratory Network, which notifies and refers Streptococcus pyogenes strains corresponding to invasive diseases to the INEI-ANLIS National Reference Laboratory and conducts research together with the Genomics of ANLIS Malbrán – It is worth noting that A total of 2 reports were released this year Published in the National Epidemiological Bulletin, two distinct epidemiological moments are described: the first, with the The country’s highly toxin-producing M1UK lineage”, designated ministries.

He added: “The second moment, reflected in August 2023, achieved the identification of the country’s first 3 M1UK isolates, which had rapidly expanded in other countries and been linked to cases of scarlet fever and invasive infections ,as well as Cluster of 7 SP M1 isolates (Unlike M1UK and M1DK) a mobile genetic element encoding the superantigenic toxin SpeC2 has been obtained.”

On growth exceeding 410% more cases compared to 2022 The Ministry of Health said that only 75 cases of this bacterial infection were recorded during the year: “Detections of Highly virulent clone appears in Argentina for first timeIt has been registered in other countries and may partially explain the higher morbidity and mortality, but for this more evidence is necessary, which is being studied by national and provincial teams. “

Before the official national data is released, yesterday The Ministry of Health in Salta reports 382 confirmed cases and 64 deaths in Argentina through this bacterium.within the jurisdiction of the north Argentina Seven people have been invasively infected by the bacteria. 80% are patients under 9 years old, most of whom are girls. Two of the 64 deaths occurred there.

in the province Pampa, 10 cases have been reported. Among them, 4 are over 65 years old. Another four cases are under 10 years old. Two patients died. One of them was over 65 years old and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“It can be said that this year, there has been an outbreak of invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in the country. Although it is likely that in previous years There is already one Cases underreported“, he explained to us yesterday Javier Farina Informationinfectious disease doctor, infection-related committee member of the Health Care Committee Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI).

Advances in Bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes This is not only happening in Argentina. December 8, World Health Organization (WHO) At least five member states in the European region – France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland – reported increases in cases, the report said.

At the time, health agencies said the increase in cases may reflect an earlier start to the season, along with an increased risk of respiratory virus transmission and viral coinfections. It is thought that co-infections may increase the risk of invasive streptococcal disease.

A few days later, on December 19, 2022, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) The warning states that there has been an increase in cases in Uruguay, with 21 cases of complications due to the invasive disease caused by group A streptococcus. Judging from the evolution, eight of the deaths occurred, four of which were adults (69 to 79 years old) and four immunocompetent children aged 1 to 7 years.

he Group A Streptococcus It can cause different skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, and scarlet fever. But on certain occasions, May present with severe forms or invasive disease, which can lead to life-threatening conditions.This can be seen from the figure More than 500,000 people die worldwide each year.

spread of bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes It occurs through close contact with an infected person and can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or contact with wounds. People may be asymptomatic carriers.

The incubation period of the disease varies from 1 to 3 days depending on the clinical manifestations. Infected people must remain in isolation until the infectious period is over.

As a precautionary measure for patients and close contacts, SadieIt is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene and frequent hand hygiene, cover wounds with sterile waterproof dressings, and maintain good environmental hygiene, including cleaning toys, bathrooms, and carpets.

symptom pharyngitis yes Sore throat; fever; headache; abdominal pain; nausea and vomiting; redness of the pharynx and tonsils; bad breath; enlarged nodes Neck size.

about 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 creases; white coating on the tongue or back of the throat; “raspberry” tongue; headache; nausea or vomiting; inflamed lymph nodes; body aches.

When some of these symptoms occur, it is important to Avoid self-medication with antibiotics and consult your doctor For timely diagnosis, you need a healthy mix.

If antibiotic treatment is medically indicated, It is important to complete the chart (Adhere to the prescribed dosage and schedule, and do not shorten or abandon treatment prematurely), as inappropriate use of antibiotics promotes bacterial resistance, a fact that can harm their future effectiveness.

Health authorities insist patients They should avoid public places (work, school) and limit household contacts. It is also important to wash your hands frequently; do not share items for personal use (cutlery, glasses, towels, etc.) and adequately ventilate the room regularly.