17.9 C
Nicosia
Thursday, March 28, 2024

They recommend paying attention to the symptoms of strep, but the experts are reassuring

Must read

Συστorνουν πρ&omicron ;σοχor στα συμπτoματα για στρεπτ κοκκο, αλλκαθησυχàζουν οι ειδ ικοi

The Ministry of Health and experts appear reassuring, regarding the outbreak of group A streptococcal infections observed in the United Kingdom and which has so far caused the death of dozens of children, while the health services of European countries recommend caution, especially to parents due to the contagiousness of scarlet fever caused by streptococcus.

So far, such data have not been observed in Cyprus, however we should be alert due to the outbreak of other viruses affecting young children in recent months, while according to Professor of Molecular Virology Dr. Petros Karagiannis, parents should remove children from schools to avoid further transmission of viruses.

Usually group A strep infections are seen during the winter months but for the most part, according to what he said speaking to REPORTER< /b>Dr. Karagiannis, cause mild infections. Nevertheless, as Dr. Karagiannis said, “before the outbreak of the pandemic in Great Britain, such incidents had been observed, but not to the extent of the outbreak that has been observed now, with thousands of children being infected and unfortunately with the number of children dying. Something that didn't happen that often in the past”.

As he said, “the worrying thing about this particular infection is that in a very small percentage, due to the fact that in some cases skin injuries are caused, the bacteria enter the muscles, or if the child had at the same time another virus that caused a sore throat or strep throat injury, it can enter the bloodstream or even the lungs. This results – if not detected earlier – in the death of the child, because toxins are produced by the bacteria. Most of us have this type A strep on our skin or in our throats without showing any symptoms. However, there are cases that can cause problems, mainly in small children, rather than in adults who pass it painlessly”.

Clinically, as explained by Dr. Karagiannis, it can appear as tonsillitis, as pharyngitis, but it is characterized by skin lesions that look like a rash. “It is a reddening of the skin and it seems that in Britain at the moment, the incidents  are increased. It is also what is considered dangerous. The outbreak observed in Great Britain, as well as other countries, concerns children from six months to five years. It is a contagious virus, which is transmitted through contact with secretions or through a surface that is contaminated. For this reason, it is necessary, as experts in Great Britain also recommend, to keep children away from schools, so that it does not spread to more children,” he said.

The parents, noted Dr. Karagiannis , they should always be observant of the symptoms their children present and they should immediately seek help from their doctor, since as it has been proven, early treatment is necessary and at the same time stops the further transmission of the infection.

< However, at the same time the Ministry of Health informed the public that cases of infection were observed in the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland, while no cases were recorded in Cyprus. The Medical Services and the Ministry of Health are closely monitoring the data and are alert for the early detection of similar incidents. Also, the competent Ministry states that proper hand hygiene and strict adherence to personal protection measures are important to stop the spread.

Source: www.reporter.com.cy

- Advertisement -AliExpress WW

More articles

- Advertisement -AliExpress WW

Latest article